Loganair, a British airline, is set to reduce flights to three destinations next month as it grapples with rising operational costs. The carrier will scale back services between Inverness and Stornoway, Orkney, and Shetland starting July 19, citing increased fuel prices, aircraft repair costs, airport fees, and route charges.
Weekend-Only Services
Currently, daily flights operate from Inverness to Orkney (Kirkwall) and Shetland (Sumburgh), with regular service to Stornoway. After the cuts, these routes will be limited to weekends only.
Loganair chief executive Luke Farajallah stated: "We do not take these decisions lightly. The recent increase in fuel prices, together with escalations in aircraft repair costs, airport fees and route charges, mean that Loganair, Hial and Transport Scotland must find a way to sustain lifeline routes where passenger numbers are limited."
He added: "These routes matter to us and to the communities they serve, but we must balance that commitment with the long-term sustainability of Loganair and the wider network those communities also rely on."
Potential Reinstatement
Mr. Farajallah indicated that full services could be reinstated in October if additional funding is secured. Hial, owned by the Scottish Government, has offered a support package, but cautioned that any assistance must remain affordable.
