£1.8 million to support flights between John O’Groats, Glasgow and Aberdeen

The Scottish Government has announced £1.8 million to connect Glasgow and Aberdeen with the north of Scotland from next month.

The multi-million-pound investment will enable the expansion of flights to and from Wick John O’Groats Airport from August 15, 2026, to August 14, 2027, under a public service obligation (PSO).

Currently, the airport handles a few flights to Aberdeen per week, operated by Air Charter Scotland, which will continue and expand operations.

This includes four flights a week to Aberdeen and three flights a week to Glasgow.

Air Charter Scotland will operate an 18-seat BAe Jetstream 32, which the company has been using since restarting operations at Wick John O’Groats Airport in January 2026.

Cabinet secretary for economy, tourism and transport Stephen Flynn said: “I am pleased to confirm this funding for PSO air services from Wick, providing important connectivity for businesses and communities across Caithness.

“The Scottish Government fully recognises the economic and social importance of rural connectivity in Scotland, and this reaffirms our continuing support for air services from Wick, including through our subsidy of Wick John O’Groats Airport.

“It is vital that the council continues to make every effort to increase use of the service further.

“The improved reliability of the Wick to Aberdeen service since Air Charter Scotland took over the route in January is a great starting point to build from.”

Wick John O’Groats Airport faced an uncertain future last year as the last operator, Eastern Airways, cancelled the route to and from Aberdeen, leaving travellers without a reliable air connection.

Highland MSP Maree Todd said on social media that constituents had consistently voiced their concern over a lack of fast transport links from the north of Scotland.

She said: “Reliable transport links are essential to the future of our rural communities which is why I have always advocated for the continuation of Scottish Government support for the Wick PSO route.”