Staff 'completely shocked' as Loganair axes all flights at Dundee Airport

Staff at Dundee Airport were left “completely shocked” after Loganair axed all its operations, including its London route.

Unite the Union said around 16 jobs are now at risk after the airline announced it would cut its service to Heathrow from October 23.

The airport, which is owned by Dundee City Council but operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), only runs two other Loganair routes to Kirkwall and Sumburgh.

The public service obligation (PSO) route is supported by the local authority and the Scottish and UK governments.

Loganair said it had become “financially unsustainable” to continue operating and is supporting Dundee-based staff in exploring alternative roles across its network.

However, Dundee City Council confirmed it is exploring the economic case for establishing a new Dundee to London PSO route. HIAL said due to the changes a review of the airport’s opening hours is required.

Dougie Orchardson, Unite industrial officer, said: “The decision by Loganair to stop its services from Dundee airport came as a complete shock.

“Around 16 posts contingent on Loganair operating from Dundee are now at risk, with potential redundancies if no other alternative employment at another airport can be found.

“That’s unacceptable for the workforce and Dundee as a whole, particularly as Loganair has received millions of public funds to support public service obligation (PSO) routes.”

A Loganair spokesperson added: “Following a review of the route’s long-term viability, Loganair can confirm that its Dundee–London Heathrow service will cease after Friday, October 23, and the operating base will close.

“Earlier this year, we served notice to the stakeholder group behind the Public Service Obligation route after the contract became financially unsustainable.

“We have since explored alternative options but have not been able to identify a viable way forward that meets the objectives of the PSO while allowing the route to operate sustainably.

“Customers affected by the change will be contacted directly. We are also supporting Dundee-based colleagues and will explore alternative roles across the Loganair network wherever possible.

“These decisions reflect the same disciplined, decisive approach that has driven previous improvements in Loganair’s punctuality and resilience, protecting the long-term future of the airline, our people, and the lifeline connectivity we provide to communities across our network.”

A HIAL spokesperson said: “The primary role of Dundee Airport is to provide safe and regulatory-compliant airport operations to support the scheduled PSO route.

“As a result of the recent changes previously announced to the PSO service, a review of opening hours at the airport is required. Consultation with our colleagues and trade unions on any changes to opening hours is in progress.”

A spokesperson for Dundee City Council said they are “exploring the economic case” for establishing a new Dundee to London Public Service Obligation air route.

“In the meantime, discussions are continuing with partners who have been supplying funding to the existing PSO, and with colleagues at HIAL.”