Funding for the second phase of a major redevelopment of Sumburgh Airport has been approved by the Scottish Government.
Minister for Transport and the Islands Derek Mackay made the announcement during a visit to the site in Shetland where he met staff and toured facilities.
The multi-million-pound programme will involve repairs and refurbishment of the terminal building, replacement cladding on the fire station and air traffic control building and an upgrade of the apron.
The programme is going out to tender so no final sum has been put on the cost of the work at this stage. However, the bill for the first phase – to upgrade the hangars – amounted to £2million.
Mr Mackay said the latest improvements will allow the airport to “go from strength to strength”.
“The airport plays a hugely important role for the oil and gas industry and has seen passenger numbers and aircraft movements double over the past four years,” he said.
“The first phase of the work focused on upgrading the hangers and has proved a real success, with Bristow Helicopters moving operations onto the site and another tenant due to be announced shortly.
“The second phase will see a programme of repairs carried out to the terminal building, which dates back to the seventies, and a revamp of its interior with new check in, security and passenger facilities.
“Repair work will also be carried out on the fire station and the air traffic control building, as well as the airport’s apron, and a purpose built storage facility for airport vehicles will also be constructed.”
Aircraft movements at Sumburgh have increased from 7,502 in August 2010 to 14,726 in August 14, while passenger numbers have gone up from 145,865 to 3014,409 over the same period.
Inglis Lyon, managing director of Sumburgh Airport operator Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, called the development a “tremendous vote of confidence by the Scottish Government in the future of Sumburgh Airport”
“The next phase of investment will deliver a better experience for scheduled passengers and allow us to upgrade essential airfield services,” he said.
“Sumburgh Airport is an essential link in Shetland’s transport infrastructure and performs a vital economic role as an energy hub for Scotland. This substantial investment by the Scottish Government will ensure the airport is better equipped for the future.”