Amsterdam flights help Dundee Airport reach record numbers

Thousands of extra passengers flew from Dundee Airport while its air link to Amsterdam was operating.

Figures from operator HIAL show 38,700 passengers used the airfield in the year to March, a 64.1% rise on the previous year.

The increase in traffic came in the period in which Flybe began operating a direct service to Amsterdam Schiphol.

The first Amsterdam flight took to the skies in May and the new route was well received by passengers who signed up for relatively low-cost business and leisure trips.

However, just months after its introduction, the flight was switched to Edinburgh Airport.

Despite speculation the route would be reinstated, Flybe eventually abandoned the service in January.

The only remaining scheduled service from Dundee Airport is the regular Flybe-operated flight to London Stansted.

Managing director Inglis Lyon said the past year had been a record-breaker for HIAL.

Total passenger numbers carried across its airport estate climbed to 1.65m, a 15.4% yearon-year increase.

Inverness was the top performer with 829,018 passengers during the year, a 23.5% increase on the previous year.

Dundee was fifth in the group’s rankings.

“Overall, the past year has been one of significant growth in passenger figures across the HIAL group, illustrating customer demand for our air services and the improved connectivity they provide for communities,” Mr Lyons said.

“Our regional airports continue to play a key role, enhancing and supporting Scotland’s economy and offering great choice for leisure and business passengers.

“Our commitment is to continue to invest in our airports, and further develop our customer service as we attract new business and look to build upon the levels of growth witnessed in the last financial year in the future.”