SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has called for Loganair to bring forward their proposed resumption date for services between the Western Isles and Inverness.

On the 3rd of March, Loganair announced that due to planned ‘work-to-rule’ industrial action by airport staff, they would be temporarily suspending all flights between HIAL airports from the 17th March – 30th April to minimise last minute delays and cancellations of services.

Despite immediate intervention from the Transport Minister, which led to a new pay deal being put to Prospect union members at HIAL’s airports, Loganair announced this afternoon that flights which had been due to be suspended for six weeks would remain suspended until the 24th April, despite the positive ballot outcome. They cited what they have described as the necessary lead time to allow passengers to make bookings.

Commenting, following Loganair’s announcement this afternoon, Alasdair Allan said:

“This morning’s good news that Prospect union members had accepted HIAL’s new pay deal invoked a widespread hope that Loganair would be reinstating flights on routes between the Western Isles and Inverness, as it had promised, ‘as soon as it is practical to do so’.

“However, this hope was dashed when Loganair announced this afternoon that, despite planned work-to-rule action having been called off since last Monday, their suspension of this service would continue, being shortened by only one week.

“This is completely unacceptable for our island communities. This route is essential for those needing to travel to the mainland for hospital appointments or for work, and it a vital transport link.

“I urge Loganair to rethink this decision, given the ongoing impact of their suspension of this lifeline service.”

Loganair’s statement can be viewed here: https://www.loganair.co.uk/our-story/latest-news/2023/loganair-pledges-to-resume-inverness-flights-after-hial-pay-settlement/