Aberdeen International Airport (AIA) has followed a record-breaking year in 2013 with a ninth consecutive month of growth in its passenger figures.
The gateway was used by 251,400 people last month, a 9.8% increase on January 2013, owner LHR Airports said yesterday.
Both helicopter and fixed wing passenger numbers grew, by 17.8% and 8.5% respectively. It comes after the busiest year in the airport’s history, with last year’s total of more than 3.48million users surpassing 2007’s previous best of 3.43million.
Potential suitors are believed to be waiting in the wings to snap up AIA.
In October, it emerged the airport could get a new owner as a result of talks among investors in the current ultimate parent.
Shareholders of Heathrow Airport Holdings (HAH), which also owns Heathrow, Glasgow and Southampton airports, were said to be mulling over the future of the Aberdeen operation.
It was thought many of the investment partners favoured a sale, or that Ferrovial, which took over AIA and other airports run by what was then BAA in a £10.3billion deal in 2006, could set the Aberdeen site up as a standalone business.
Sources told the Press and Journal a range of parties were “definitely interested” in buying AIA. HAH refused to comment and AIA managing director Carol Benzie said she was unaware of any current plans to sell the business.
It was reported soon afterwards that HAH had been approached by Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), the firm which owns London’s Gatwick and City airports, as well as Edinburgh Airport, about a potential bid for Aberdeen.
Hailing the impressive start to 2013 yesterday, Mrs Benzie said: “2014 is now well under way, and to be reporting a strong set of results gives us confidence.
“This year will not be without its challenges, not least working hard to ensure that our terminal redevelopment plans can continue at pace and with minimal disruption to passengers.
“These numbers also strengthen the case we make in our on-going discussion with airlines around new routes as we continue to try to improve our leisure travel offering.
“We are all hopeful that this positive trend in passenger growth can continue.”
Plans have recently been signed off for a £13million revamp of the airport.