The total number of passengers using airports in the Highlands and Islands increased by 5.6% in July compared to the previous year, according to figures published today.

Almost 23,000 passengers have used Dundee Airport in the past four months, according to figures published today.

Inverness Airport recorded its busiest month ever for passenger numbers in July, according to operator Highlands and Islands Airports.

More than 1,500 people have already responded to a survey assessing demand for a direct air link between Dundee and Amsterdam.

Work is underway to replace the airfield lighting at Sumburgh Airport in Shetland with a capital project worth almost £2 million.

People living in Dundee and the surrounding regions are to be surveyed to assess the potential demand for an air link between the city and Amsterdam.

Increases in traffic and income and the transfer of Dundee Airport to its ownership are highlighted in the 2007/08 annual report and group accounts published by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited today (Friday 1^st August 2008).