Frequency of flights from Inverness to be reinstated after government commits funding
- Weekday flights from Inverness to the islands will be reinstated from October
- The news has been welcomed by politicians from across the region
THE SCOTTISH Government has confirmed up to £1.06m worth of funding to safeguard Loganair flights from Inverness to the islands.
Loganair stopped flights between Inverness and the Northern and Western Isles last month during the week amid concerns over sustainability.
The airline previously said it could not sustain the current level of service without “government funded support”.
However following government intervention the full service is set to be reinstated from late October.
Scottish secretary for economy, tourism and transport Stephen Flynn said: “I am pleased the Scottish Government has confirmed over £1 million of funding to support the full recommencement of air services connecting Inverness to Stornoway, Kirkwall and Sumburgh.
“HIAL and Loganair have worked collaboratively through commercial discussions to restart these services from 26 October, providing greater certainty to passengers.
“Transport Scotland will now work with HIAL and industry stakeholders to discuss next steps for a sustainable, long-term solution to protect Highlands and Islands air services for those who rely on them.”
Loganair chief executive Luke Farajallah said: “These routes matter enormously to the people who rely on them, and we’ve never lost sight of that throughout this process.
“We’re a privately owned airline, and keeping thin routes like these flying isn’t something we can always do alone, so we’re genuinely pleased that the Scottish Government has stepped in to make full services possible again from October.
“Our commitment to the Highlands and Islands goes back decades, and it isn’t going anywhere. We’ll keep working with HIAL and Transport Scotland to get these routes onto a footing that lasts.”
It is understood Loganair would not have been able to reintroduce flights before late October because planes that would fly the routes have been reassigned to other services.
The news of the reduction in flights earlier this year was met with action from cross-party MSPs representing areas in the Highlands and Islands.
The SNP’s Shetland MSP Hannah Mary Goodlad said she welcomed the new commitment from the Scottish Government for the “lifeline” routes.
“But we must look at this holistically,” she added.
“It is now time to move beyond this piecemeal approach and gather all stakeholders together – public and private to develop a long term, equitable, sustainable solution for aviation across the region. It’s time to get this right for the north.”
Highlands and Islands Green MSP Kristopher Leask said there will be “families and communities across our islands breathing a sigh of relief”.
“These flights are lifeline services,” he said.
“People rely on them to get to vital hospital appointments, access essential services, support local businesses and workers, and stay connected with loved ones.
“From the outset, I’ve worked to ensure that island communities were heard. I’ve been proud to work with Hannah Mary Goodlad and colleagues across party lines to make the case for our island communities and press the government to act.
“This funding is an important step forward. We now need a long-term, sustainable plan that gives island communities the reliable lifeline services and air links that they deserve.”
Orkney MSP Liam McArthur, of the Liberal Democrats, said: “This episode has shown that ministers have been asleep at the wheel ignoring warnings over recent years that these services have been at risk.
“That cannot continue to happen, with ministers responding only when cuts to routes are threatened. Islanders need the Transport Secretary to take responsibility for building greater resilience across the network going forward.”
Convenor of the Scottish Parliament’s transport committee, Lib Dem MSP Willie Rennie added: “This investment will be a positive outcome for the island communities who made powerful and compelling representations to the transport committee.
“From the evidence we heard, it is clear that a longer-term plan for aviation will need to be considered as part of the Islands Connectivity Plan.
“The Scottish Government needs to continue working closely with transport providers and our island communities to ensure a longer-term solution. We will continue to monitor developments in this area. However, for now, this is a step in the right direction.”
And the SNP’s Highlands and Islands list MSP Maree Todd said: “This £1 million funding package from the Scottish Government to HIAL will enable the reinstatement of frequent connections between Inverness and Stornoway, Kirkwall and Sumburgh, restoring vital air links for our island communities.
“This is extremely welcome news, and I am grateful to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport for listening to the concerns raised by NHS boards, stakeholders, businesses and my constituents following Loganair’s announcement.
News of Loganair’s decision to reduce flights on the routes first reared its head at the start of June.
In its cancellation email to customers with affected bookings, Loganair said weekday flights on the route were being discontinued in its summer schedule, from 20 July to 23 October.
This affected flights to Sumburgh from both Inverness and Kirkwall.
The airline said at the time that the decision followed “extensive discussions” with airport operator Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) and other stakeholders.
It was a decision that was met with deep concern from politicians and communities, with chair of Shetland Islands Council’s environment and transport committee Moraig Lyall saying that there were “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,” she added at the time.
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