Air travel across the Highlands and Islands has held steady over the past year, with Highland and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) reporting a modest increase in passenger numbers.
Between April 2024 and March 2025, more than 1.47 million people travelled through the network of 11 airports overseen by HIAL — a rise of 3,218 on the previous year.
It may not be a dramatic leap, but it reflects a quiet confidence in the enduring role of air travel for communities that depend on reliable links between island and mainland life.
The biggest jump was recorded at Islay, where a 4.9% increase brought the total to 31,392 passengers, a sign that demand remains robust for this vital route.
Kirkwall also saw solid growth, rising 2.6% to 137,744, while Inverness Airport — by far the busiest in the network — welcomed just over 805,000 passengers, up 1.8% on the previous year.
Sumburgh edged upwards too, closing the year with 308,320 passengers.
While other airports experienced small declines, the overall trend remained stable, and the year ended with a spring in its step.
March alone saw a 3% increase in passenger numbers compared to the same month last year, suggesting growing momentum as 2025 gets underway.
Paul Kelsall, Chief Executive of HIAL, praised the teams across the network for their continued dedication.
“Air travel remains an essential means of travel for many people living in the Highlands and Islands,” he said.
“Our airports are key to providing connectivity, particularly for those living in the more remote areas of the region.”
Kelsall also emphasised the company’s continued commitment to safe, sustainable travel.
That focus has translated into real investment, with over £9 million spent this year alone on new energy-efficient runway lighting at Inverness and Kirkwall — a move designed to future-proof key infrastructure while cutting environmental impact.
Passengers at Sumburgh can now enjoy a new Quiet Room and shop, while Barra and Benbecula airports have welcomed upgraded café spaces, giving travellers a warmer welcome before their journey.
Security improvements are also ongoing, with HIAL pledging to continue enhancing the passenger experience well into the next financial year.
While the numbers may seem modest at first glance, what they represent is something deeper — stability, reliability and a continuing lifeline for those who depend on these routes not just for travel, but for access to opportunity, services and connection.
As the skies over the Highlands and Islands grow a little busier again, there’s quiet pride in an aviation network that’s holding its own and planning for the long haul.
