Transport / Bergen flights to return for first time since before pandemic
Norwegian ambassador says the direct transport link to Norway resuming is ‘brilliant news’
DIRECT flights between Shetland and Bergen are resuming this weekend as the service takes off for the first time since before the Covid pandemic.
The Sumburgh-Bergen Loganair service, which will run twice a week, will resume from tomorrow (Saturday).
It is a seasonal offering in the summer months, so the last time the flights ran was back in 2019.
Ambassador of Norway to the UK Wegger Chr. Strømmen told Shetland News that it was “brilliant news”.
“I’m sure it will strengthen business ties and it will bring lots of Norwegians to Shetland,” he said.
It is the only scheduled international connection which runs via Sumburgh Airport.
Loganair said customers from Shetland who also wish to venture further and explore northern Norway will have the opportunity to connect via Loganair’s codeshare partnership with the country’s regional airline Widerøe.
Flights to these destinations can be booked online. Fares are ADS eligible and include 15kg hold luggage allowance, further discounts for children aged 11 and under are available.
Loganair’s chief commercial officer Kay Ryan said: “It’s encouraging to see European travel strengthen over spring and into summer, supporting our recommencement of the Sumburgh – Bergen route as we continue to build back our network.
“This is a welcomed boost for international tourism to Shetland but also for Northern Norway through our direct service and further codeshare agreement with Widerøe.”
Meanwhile Ambassador Strømmen said for Norwegians visiting Shetland is a “bit like coming home, on different territory”.
“We all have a kind of image of Shetland, not only because of the war [and the Shetland Bus operation]…but you are next to us out there, and you live in circumstances which resemble ours, particularly our west coast.”
Strømmen said he has “not met a disappointed Norwegian that has been to Shetland”.
“We don’t expect the Spanish weather when we come to Shetland,” he laughed.
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.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
