Loganair, the only commercial carrier operating from Dundee Airport, will cease all flights in October, including its London Heathrow route, leaving the airport's future uncertain. The airline's first scheduled flight from Dundee took place in 1963, marking the end of a 63-year relationship.
End of an era for Dundee's air link
The Dundee to London Heathrow service, which runs twice daily on weekdays and once on Sundays, is a public service obligation (PSO) route supported by the local authority and the Scottish and UK governments. Loganair, which celebrated its 300,000th passenger in May 2025, operates over 60,000 flights annually across the UK and France.
Dundee Airport, owned by Dundee City Council and operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), also runs two other Loganair routes to Kirkwall and Sumburgh, seasonally twice a week. Loganair said it had become 'financially unsustainable' to continue operating and is supporting Dundee-based staff in exploring alternative roles across its network. Passengers affected will be offered a refund or an alternative airport.
Passenger numbers decline
HIAL's most recent annual report shows passenger numbers at Dundee Airport were 31,556 in the 2024/25 financial year, down from 34,010 the previous year. A HIAL spokesperson said: 'The primary role of Dundee Airport is to provide safe and regulatory compliant airport operations to support the scheduled PSO route. As a result of the recent changes previously announced to the PSO service, a review of opening hours at the airport is required. Consultation with our colleagues and trade unions on any changes to opening hours is in progress.'
HIAL is now consulting staff on plans to reduce opening hours after Loganair flights end. Currently, the airfield is open from 06:45 to 21:00 on weekdays, 09:00 to 16:00 on Saturdays, and 09:00 to 21:00 on Sundays.
Political reaction
Dundee Central MP Chris Law told The Courier it was a 'devastating blow,' saying: 'The loss of a direct and regular air service between Dundee and London is a significant setback for our city. The PSO route between Dundee and London has provided the fastest and most direct link between the cities since 2014. Not only does it place jobs and livelihoods connected to the airport at risk, it also undermines our ambitions to grow tourism, attract investment and drive economic growth.'
Law added: 'Since the announcement that the current service will end, I have been working closely with Loganair, HIAL and other London airports to explore alternative proposals that could preserve this vital connection between Dundee and London for businesses, residents and visitors alike. Maintaining strong transport links is essential if Dundee is to remain competitive, connected and open for business. I will continue to work with all stakeholders, including the Scottish and UK Governments, to seek the necessary support and funding required for this route and secure the substantial economic and social benefits it delivers for the people of Dundee and the wider region.'
Labour MSP Michael Marra added: 'This is deeply concerning news for Dundee.' The PSO has supported the Dundee to London route since 2014, but Loganair served notice to the stakeholder group in April this year. Metro contacted Loganair, which declined to comment.
