Transport / Sumburgh Airport passenger numbers down
THE NUMBER of passengers travelling through Sumburgh Airport in 2019 was nearly 44,000 less than the previous year.
The drop – from 372,064 to 328,163 – represented a reduction of 11.8 per cent.
Operator Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) said this was largely due to reduced oil and gas flights.
Passenger numbers were also lower on Aberdeen and Glasgow routes.
Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Tiree and Wick all saw reduced passengers, while Inverness, Islay and Dundee experienced increased numbers.
HIAL managing director Inglis Lyon said: “We will continue to nurture and develop our network while at the same time ensuring we invest in future-proofing our operational capability.
“We face challenges from a variety of sources including regulatory, technological, environmental and societal changes in coming years, nonetheless HIAL will continue to invest in our airports and we are committed to continuously improving infrastructure and enhancing passenger facilities.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.