Extra flights for Up Helly Aa

LOGANAIR has added extra flights between Shetland and Aberdeen to cope with demand from people wanting to visit the isles for Up Helly Aa.

It has put on new flights for the route for Sunday, Monday and Wednesday.

It comes after 16 flights were added in December connecting Sumburgh with Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Kirkwall.

The airline says a total of 21 extra flights have now been added to the schedule on the five days around Up Helly Aa, which is taking place on Tuesday.

There is no cabin space available on the NorthLink ferry from Aberdeen to Shetland on Sunday night – while the return trip the day after Up Helly Aa is full too.

Loganair commercial director Kay Ryan said the airline has seen “very high demand” for Up Helly Aa related travel, particularly as it has had to take on passengers who were due to fly with former rival Flybe.

“We recognise that, as well as the huge number of visitors for Up Helly Aa, there will be inevitable requirements for short-notice travel for business, health-care and family reasons,” she added.

“It’s with this in mind that we’ve acted to introduce more flights yet again, which are now on sale via our website.”