Highland MP calls for further investment in Inverness Airport
Highland MP Danny Alexander has written to Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon urging the SNP government to release funds to upgrade the terminal building at Inverness Airport.
A multi-million pound upgrade of the runway and taxiway was completed last year as passenger numbers increased by 1.3 per cent, the airport’s best performance for five years.
This year, new routes to London City and Dublin have taken off and there is growing demand for key domestic and international hubs including Manchester, Birmingham, London Gatwick and Amsterdam.
Despite this, investment on the terminal building has stalled. It is often overcrowded at busy times and urgently needs to be upgraded to keep pace with the growing demand for flights.
Mr Alexander said: "Inverness Airport is absolutely crucial to the growth of the Highland economy.
"With passenger numbers growing, new routes on offer and as a vital investment hub for the Highlands, the airport deserves funds to upgrade the terminal.
"We have to ensure that it can keep up with demand and too often at peak times the terminal building and its car parks are overcrowded.
"The airport have put several proposals for investment forward over the years and that funding is needed now."
Glasgow Prestwick Airport received £7 million for repairs and improvements in June, with a further £10 million set to announced as part of Scottish Government budget plans for next year.
Mr Alexander continued: "The SNP government in Edinburgh is keen to support Central Belt airports, including releasing millions of pounds to support Glasgow Prestwick Airport.
"The success of Inverness Airport over recent years should be rewarded and I’ve written to Nicola Sturgeon asking her to support the upgrade of the terminal building.
"Passengers don’t pay Air Passenger Duty on flights from Inverness, the management do a great job running the airport and attracting new routes, so the only barrier to further growth is Scottish government investment.
"Only with continued investment can Inverness continue to be a key growth point for the Highland economy and cater for passengers who fly from the north."
