Rise in passenger numbers at Wick Airport

WICK Airport has seen a significant rise in passenger numbers over the last three months.

The airport, which operates daily flights to Aberdeen and Edinburgh, had 7006 passengers from April to July, an increase of 13.9 per cent.

This was compared to 6150 during the same period last year.

Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd reported a rise of 14.9 per cent in passenger numbers across its airports.

Inglis Lyon, managing director, said the increase shows a trend for British people holidaying at home rather than abroad.

"It is highly encouraging to be able to partially attribute increased passenger numbers to increased tourism," he said.

"But these airports also serve as a vital lifeline. Obviously the first quarter did suffer from the impact of volcanic ash. But there is more growth over and above this due to more passengers using the airlines."