The number of people flying from airports in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland has gone up by seven per cent, according to new research.
Figures released by Highlands and Islands Airports (HIAL) showed that the past 11 months have seen an additional 71,000 passengers use its ten airports.
The study also showed that aircraft movements at the airports went up by nearly nine per cent over the period, bringing them up to 93,225.
Officials put the recent strong performance down to an increase in the frequency of flights, as well as the addition of new routes and the introduction of the Scottish Executive's Air Discount Scheme last May.
"Air travel is a vital mode of transport for this region, both for international journeys and to other parts of the UK and abroad," said Inglis Lyon, managing director of HIAL.
"It supports business growth, inbound tourism and sustainable communities, particularly in island locations.
"The positive impacts of the enhancements to the air network achieved in the past 11 months are reflected in the increasing demand from people who are choosing and who can afford to fly."
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