Highlands and Islands Lib Dems call for statement on Eastern Airways collapse

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Beatrice Wishart has today called for the Scottish Transport Secretary to deliver an immediate statement to Parliament setting out what actions the government is taking to respond to the collapse of Eastern Airways.

Eastern Airways, which was established in 1997, flies between a number of domestic airports in the UK. These include Aberdeen, Humberside, London Gatwick, Newquay, Teesside International and Wick.

Crucially, the subsidised Wick to Aberdeen service has operated flights under a public service obligation (PSO) funded by the Scottish Government and Highland Council since April 2022.  

A PSO is a requirement imposed on a company in order to ensure the provision of vital public services, like regional air routes, that might otherwise be at risk of financial inviability on a purely commercial basis.  

The initial three-year subsidy for the route was extended this year until April 2026, upon the understanding that the link is crucial for those living in Caithness, who are more isolated from alternative routes.  

In Shetland cancelled flights have had knock-on repercussions for operations at oil and gas platforms, which rely on Eastern Airways to transport their workers from Sumburgh airport.

The company has now reported to have filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator, signalling the likelihood of it entering administration.

Commenting, Beatrice Wishart said:  

“Key lifeline routes are going to be badly affected by the collapse of Eastern Airways.

“The Scottish Transport Secretary needs to deliver an immediate statement to Parliament setting out what actions the government is taking to respond to this upheaval.

“I was pleased to see Loganair step in last week with rescue fares to support flights to Aberdeen but ministers will need to set out what role they expect them to play going forward.

“In Shetland, Caithness and Aberdeen, this collapse will mean longer journey times and bad news for businesses. Scottish Liberal Democrats will fight to restore access to these key routes."

Shetland candidate Emma Macdonald said:

“Eastern Airways may be a regional airline but its suspension of operations is having an impact all across the UK including in the Northern Isles.  

“The Scottish Government need to give reassurances about the future of these services and explain how they will support workers and customers who are affected. At the very least we need to hear how they are engaging with UK counterparts to look for a solution.

“In Shetland our North Sea industries are vital. The last thing we need is for them to face additional challenges getting workers to where they need to be. We need an early answer from ministers on how they are going to stabilise this situation.”

David Green, candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, added:

“This flight path is a lifeline for those living in Caithness - the Scottish Government cannot let this collapse.  

“If the worst happens, concerned passengers must be given reassurances of compensation. Crucially, the Scottish Government must also step in to support Highland Council to work alongside the community to urgently find a replacement for this lifeline service.  

“This link is vital for the Far North, not least in terms of access to employment and healthcare, but also the longevity of the Wick John O’Groats airport. People will expect swift action to protect these services.”