Support for Inverness Air Services
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 businesses.
The return of these services will support essential travel for island residents accessing healthcare and public services on the mainland.
Cabinet 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.”
Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd, CEO, Paul Kelsall 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.”
Luke Farajallah, Chief Executive Officer at Loganair 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."