2 April 2024
Charges at 11 Scottish airports have risen ‘well above inflation’ from 1 April 2024. The new charges include a ‘Navigation Fee’, increased landing fees and parking charges that lump all sub-10 tonne aircraft together.
In one example, a 24 hour stay on the Island of Islay would cost the pilot a total of £160.20 – in addition to overnight hospitality costs.
The new charges are from owner and operator Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL), which is seeking to rebuild its finances, according to its 2023-2028 Strategic Plan.
Instead, it’s likely to lose visitors to other areas of Scotland with more realistic prices, judging by discussion on the FLYER forum.
Even the beach at Barra Airport is charging the new fees
The Islay example is made up of:
It’s not clear whether a passenger fee of £24.20 would also be charged. Some of HIAL’s airports also levy a mandatory handling charge.
FLYER has asked HIAL for comment and an explanation of the Navigation Fee. In previous years HIAL has operated a flat rate for General Aviation aircraft which has helped make the 11 airports popular places to visit.
HIAL’s 11 airports across Scotland
In its Strategic Plan, HIAL said, “As we navigate through this difficult financial period, it is essential that we re-calibrate our goals and strategic priorities to focus on our core function.”
The plan highlights increasing revenue by:
The full scale of charges can be seen on the Inverness Airport website. Similar charges apply across all 11 HIAL airports.
With nothing forthcoming from HIAL, FLYER contacted Transport Scotland who told us: “Airport charges are a matter for HIAL. Like all public bodies, we expect HIAL to maximise revenues and cut costs wherever possible in order to reduce costs to the taxpayer.”
Benbecula Airport is another affected
