Strong run of growth continues at HIAL

In the third quarter (July to September), the group recorded an extra 12,522 passengers (up 3.1 per cent) compared to the same period in 2014.

An increase in scheduled and charter traffic saw Islay claim the mantle as the fastest growing airport in the group, with an extra 1009 passengers, up 12.2 per cent on 2014.

Numerically, Inverness was the strongest performing airport, gaining an additional 9526 passengers during the quarter (up 5.3 per cent) due to growth in the domestic market and increasing demand for the airport’s Dublin route.

Demand at Sumburgh rallied after dropping in the first two quarters of the year. An increase in energy related traffic saw passenger numbers rise by 5658 (up 6.5 per cent) during the period though it remains to be seen if this growth will be sustained given the wider structural changes in the industry.

During the quarter, two new aircraft – specially commissioned by HIAL on behalf of the Scottish Government – began operating on the Public Service Obligation routes from Glasgow to Barra, Campbeltown and Tiree. The new aircraft carried more passengers to Barra and Tiree, but demand fell during the quarter at Campbeltown.

Dundee recorded a 2.9 per cent increase in passenger numbers during the quarter as a result of steady demand for its Stansted service and the impact of the Open Championship in St Andrews. Passenger numbers also increased at Benbecula.

Numbers dropped slightly at Kirkwall and Stornoway. At Wick John O’Groats, following growth in the first two quarters of this year, passenger numbers fell in the third quarter. This was a result of a drop in energy related activity, reflecting the fluctuating nature of the sector. However, since the start of the year, overall demand at Wick John O’Groats has increased at a rate of 6.2 per cent.

Inglis Lyon, managing director of HIAL, said: “These are strong figures for the quarter and show that demand on most services and at most airports is increasing. Inverness is continuing to perform well thanks to new and expanding services and we are working hard to provide even more choice for passengers. After a difficult start to the year, Sumburgh also enjoyed a strong third quarter.

“We are particularly pleased to see Dundee gaining in strength. The airport serves a vital role as a hub for general aviation and was an important gateway for The Open and, more recently, during the Alfred Dunhill Cup.

“The success of smaller island airports such as Islay, Benbecula and Tiree illustrates the important role that aviation plays in connecting remote and island communities. The arrival this summer of two new aircraft serving Barra, Campbeltown and Tiree is further good news for those communities.”