McArthur presses for improvements to Aberdeen Airport

Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur is continuing his bid to ensure facilities at Aberdeen Airport are more accessible and comfortable for passengers returning from hospital appointments in Aberdeen.

Mr McArthur has said islanders using Aberdeen Airport have raised concerns with  about the lack of accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility or passengers who may require specific assistance.

Orkney’s MSP first wrote to Roger Hunt, Operations Director at Aberdeen Airport, in September 2013 and secured the creation of a working group to look into enhancements at Aberdeen Airport. Mr McArthur recently requested an update on this work.

In response to Mr McArthur, Mr Hunt confirmed that, “there is currently an on-going piece of design work taking place to understand if additional enhancements can be delivered. This in essence has resulted in a delay in the original proposed timelines for the build and also in finalising the plans for PRM [People with Reduced Mobility] facilities”. Mr Hunt attributed some of the delays to a change in ownership of the airport.

Commenting, Mr McArthur said: “It is disappointing to hear that more progress has not been made, particularly for the constituents who have raised this issue with me. I understand how the change in airport ownership will have disrupted the original plans but I am reassured that the plan is still to press ahead with making changes. Hopefully these will make the airport more accessible and comfortable for isles passengers who have mobility issues or may need extra privacy if they are feeling unwell.  That is something I am determined to see happen and will continue to press the new management team to deliver”.