Air passenger figures for Highland and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) remained steady between for the period 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025, according to the latest statistics. The figures show an increase of 3,218 passengers on the previous year, bringing the total number of people travelling through the airports to a total of 1,478, 725.
The biggest annual increase was seen at Islay where figures rose by 4.9% to 31,392, followed by Kirkwall airport which received 137,744 passengers, a 2.6% increase on the previous year.
Inverness airport was up 1.8% (805,946 passengers) with Sumburgh showing a small increase to reach 308,320 passengers. Decreases were shown for all other airports. However, the year finished on a high with March figures showing a 3% increase against the same month in 2024 across the 11 airports operated by HIAL.
Paul Kelsall, HIAL’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Air travel remains an essential means of travel for many people living in the Highlands and Islands, and our airports are key to providing connectivity, particularly for those living in the more remote areas of the region.
“The steady passenger numbers reported are testament to the hard work of our airport teams in collaboration with our airline partners. Our strategic focus remains the provision of safe and sustainable airports for our passengers and customer service remains at the heart of what we do, and we look forward to continuing the positive end to the year into 2025-2026.”
In 2024-2025 HIAL invested over £9m in new energy efficient runway lighting at both Inverness and Kirkwall airports as part of its commitment to sustainable operations and infrastructure enhancement. Improvements to airport facilities have included a new Quiet Room and shop at Sumburgh and new café operations at Barra and Benbecula. Enhancements to the security experience for passengers at its airports also continue into the new financial year.
