Sumburgh-Kirkwall-Inverness flight services to be reduced
LOGANAIR has confirmed services on the Inverness–Kirkwall–Sumburgh routes will be reduced from mid-July.
The airline says it “can no longer sustain the current level of service without impacting the wider business”.
The frequency of the Inverness–Stornoway route is also being reduced from 19 July.
The airline said it followed “extensive discussions” with airport operator Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) and other stakeholders.
Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has called on first minister John Swinney to instruct HIAL to reach an agreement with Loganair that would prevent service cuts on routes that connect the Northern and Western Isles with the Scottish mainland.
Swinney said in parliament that transport secretary Stephen Flynn “will make sure there is appropriate dialogue taking place between Loganair and HIAL to ensure everything that can be done to safeguard these services is in fact put in place”.
It also comes after a sharp rise in Loganair’s fuel surcharge, with rising jet fuel prices now being felt by customers when buying tickets.
“We recognise how important these routes are to the communities they serve, and this decision has not been taken lightly,” a Loganair spokesperson said in a statement in response to the reduction in some services.
“However, after reviewing all operational and financial options, we can no longer sustain the current level of service without impacting the wider business.
“We remain committed to the Highlands and Islands and are ready to continue discussions with HIAL, Transport Scotland and other partners. If appropriate support becomes available, we will welcome the opportunity to restore the full winter timetable.
“Our focus now is on protecting essential connectivity and ensuring customers have clear information about the revised schedule.”
However McArthur claimed that Loganair officials have cited “insufficient support from HIAL” and an unsustainable operational framework as factors contributing to the scheduling decision.
He said the cuts “could get even worse if further reassurances aren’t provided in the coming days”.
McArthur said: “These cuts to lifeline air services to the Northern and Western Isles are concerning. They will reduce options for those who rely on the routes while potentially pushing up costs for health boards.
“I met Loganair’s management earlier this week where they argued that the cuts are an inevitable consequence of a lack of support from HIAL.
“As HIAL is government-owned, islanders have a right to expect the first minister and his transport secretary to step in.
“I’m pleased that the first minister appeared to accept this and has assured me that the transport secretary will now engage with HIAL and Loganair in a bid to find a resolution.
“I hope this process can pave the way for an agreement that protects services and meets the needs of islanders.”
HIAL has been approached for a response.
Shetland Islands Council received notification of the reduction in service on Friday.
Chair of the transport and environment committee, councillor Moraig Lyall said: “I urgently wrote to both our new Cabinet Secretary Stephen Flynn and the Head of Aviation at Transport Scotland asking them to as a matter of urgency get together with HIAL and Loganair and find a solution to this situation.
“I emphasised the importance of the route for Shetland for multiple reasons. I would reiterate that call now.
“There are many essential reasons for this link to remain for individuals, families and businesses. For many of those reasons, being restricted to travel on a Saturday or Sunday would be untenable.”
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