Lifeline flights between Wick and Aberdeen to be relaunched

Eastern Airways has announced that it will restore lifeline flights between Wick John O’Groats Airport and Aberdeen.

Highland Council and Transport Scotland have announced that a three-year contract to run the service, which was withdrawn in 2020 due to the pandemic, has been awarded to the airline.

Flights will return on April 11 as part of a phased introduction, before the full-service resumes on April 25.

Eastern Airways said the full service, which will operate under a public service obligation, would offer 24 flights a week.

Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson said the service is “absolutely ready to go”.

She said: “I was in the airport a few weeks ago. It is absolutely ready to go, so this deal is very important.

“There is a terrific amount of work and innovation going on.

“Caithness and North Sutherland are an epicentre for renewable energy and transmission.

“Add to that the space port for Northwest Sutherland and all the work at Dounraey and you see there is a great demand for connectivity with the rest of the country.

“Whether it is workers coming in or families or visitors making the connection with the far north, this is great news.

“I thank the Scottish Government and the Highland Council with their timely help with this.”