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'Lifeline' Flights to Scottish Island to Resume After Cash Boost
More than £1 million will restore full island air services after cuts left commuters and NHS patients with fewer options, ministers said.
- On Thursday, the Scottish Government confirmed more than £1 million in funding to Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd to restore flight frequency between Inverness, Stornoway, Kirkwall, and Sumburgh starting October 26.
- Glasgow-Based Loganair reduced services last month citing sustainability concerns and rising fuel costs, grounding one of two daily Stornoway-Inverness flights after negotiations with Hial failed on July 19.
- Transport Committee convener Willie Rennie MSP said the investment was "a positive outcome," after evidence revealed Hial and Loganair had negotiated the service withdrawal since February without informing island communities or government ministers.
- Loganair Chief Executive Luke Farajallah said the airline would work to ensure routes are "on to a footing that lasts," while Hial Chief Executive Paul Kelsall committed to finding a sustainable solution for passengers.
- Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn confirmed Transport Scotland will discuss a long-term aviation strategy as part of the Islands Connectivity Plan, though officials warn a one-year funding fix remains insufficient.
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Scottish Government’s £1 Million Funding Enables Full Recommencement of Air Services Connecting Inverness to Stornoway, Kirkwall and Sumburgh.
The Scottish Government has provided over £1 million to Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) for the full restoration of island air services operating from Inverness. The funding will reinstate the frequency of air services connecting Inverness to Stornoway, Kirkwall and Sumburgh from 26 October 2026, bringing back important air links for island communities and […]
Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left3Leaning Right0Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Left
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
60% Left
L 60%
C 40%
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