REGIONAL operator Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) has seen another significant rise in passenger growth with a total of 522,476 customers using the company’s 11 airports across Scotland in the quarter to the end of September.

The figures showed an increase of more than 36,000 passengers – 7.4 per cent up on the same period last year.

Among the high points were a rise of a fifth at Tiree Airport, 19 per cent more passengers at Barra and 11 per cent growth at both the Islay and Kirkwall facilities.

During the quarter Sumburgh saw more than 117,000 passengers use its airport – almost 15 per cent more than in 2016 – suggesting evidence of growth in the oil and gas sector and an increase in offshore traffic at the recently refurbished facility.

Inverness saw 268,468 passengers during the quarter, up by nearly nine per cent, an illustration of the airport’s popularity and increasingly important role as a driver for the Highland region and economy.

Compared to the same period in 2016, 21,703 more passengers used the airport, helped by increased numbers on the Heathrow, Amsterdam, Gatwick and Manchester routes.

HIAL said Inverness Airport is on target to deliver record inbound passenger numbers which are estimated to be worth millions to the Highland and Islands economy.

There was strong visitor demand on flights from Glasgow to Tiree, Barra, Benbecula and Stornoway, with increases in passenger numbers across the airports, particularly over the summer holiday period.

Inglis Lyon, HIAL’s managing director, said: “We are pleased to report that the overall passenger numbers continue to rise, illustrating the strong demand for ever greater connectivity to and from the Highlands and Islands.

“The figures are robust and if our airports are witnessing sustained growth in passenger numbers that is almost certainly having a positive effect on the communities across the Highlands and Islands.

“The role of regional airports is to support and enhance the local economy and there is now substantial evidence that enhanced air connectivity, whether for passengers or freight, has a major impact on trade and the opportunities for local businesses. Increased passengers means more tourism and business spend which in itself can support jobs.

“Our commitment is to continue to invest in our airports, and develop our passenger experience to help ensure we all benefit from these levels of growth.”

Regional director of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry, Fraser Grieve, said the new figures were significant for Highland region: “Continued growth through Inverness Airport shows the impact that their improved connections and increased routes are having on the Highlands, with many hotels and visitor attractions reporting bumper trade.

“Businesses are finding it easier to access new and existing customers through the airport and I hope that with these positive numbers we’ll see the continued sustainability growth of passengers.”

Passenger numbers fell by 9813 at Dundee because of Flybe’s withdrawal of its Amsterdam service in December 2016. They also decreased by 1,114 at Wick John O’Groats, partly due to reduced demand from energy sector services to and from Aberdeen and offshore platforms.