Coronavirus / BP offshore flights to bypass isles due to coronavirus
BP’s helicopter flights to offshore platforms will temporarily stop travelling from Shetland as the oil giant aims to “remove unnecessary footfall” from the isles amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The flights will instead fly direct to the installations west of Shetland from Aberdeen.
The measure is due to be introduced from Tuesday and it is said to impact around a dozen flights per week.
BP flies helicopters from Sumburgh Airport in partnership with aviation company Babcock.
A spokesperson for BP said: “As part of our mitigation measures during the delay phase of Covid 19 (Coronavirus), we have taken the decision to transport individuals to our west of Shetland installations direct from Aberdeen instead of their normal transit through Shetland.
“This is a temporary measure intended to help remove unnecessary footfall on Shetland and to reduce the risk of the virus spreading.”
A spokesperson for Bristow, which operates helicopter flights for oil and gas companies from Scatsta, said there were currently no changes in operations at the north mainland airport as the company follows government guidance.
Shetland currently has 11 confirmed cases of coronavirus, but health officials expect this number to rise “substantially” in the coming weeks.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.