Loganair, a Scottish airline, has announced it will cut flights from Inverness to three Scottish destinations starting in July, citing mounting financial pressures. The carrier operates routes across the UK and France, including London, Glasgow, Paris, and Edinburgh, but says it cannot maintain all existing services without affecting the wider business.
Affected Routes
From July 19, Loganair will scale back flights between Inverness and Stornoway, Orkney (Kirkwall), and Shetland (Sumburgh). Currently, daily services operate to Orkney and Shetland, with a regular route to Stornoway. After the reductions, flights will only run on weekends.
CEO Statement
Loganair chief executive Luke Farajallah told the BBC: "We do not take these decisions lightly." He added: "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."
Farajallah emphasized the importance of these routes to the communities they serve but stressed the need to balance commitment with long-term sustainability. He indicated that full services could potentially resume in October if additional funding is secured.
Support Package
Hial, owned by the Scottish Government, has proposed a support package, though it cautioned that any assistance must remain affordable. The airline and stakeholders continue to seek solutions to maintain these essential connections.
