Highlands on a high as London flights added
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ROSS-shire residents dependent on a Highland air link to London Heathrow have been given a boost.
British Airways is to increase the number of flights between Inverness and the London hub.
It will operate two daily return services on weekdays and three return services at weekends from next summer.
From March 31, the number of weekly British Airways flights between the two cities will increase from 10 to 16 over the summer.
Fraser Grieve, the Scottish Council for Development and Industry’s Highlands and Islands director, called it “a fantastic show of confidence” which opens up a number of additional routes for passengers from the Highlands. The air link was only reinstated in 2016 after years of campaigning.
Inglis Lyon, managing director of Highlands and Islands Airports, which operates Inverness Airport, said local businesses will benefit from greater connectivity.
“This really is a game changer for Inverness and the Highlands and Islands.”
The winter programme will see a doubling from seven to 14 return services a week, with the airline operating a double-daily schedule from October 27.
Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson welcomed the move.
“The council has long recognised the importance of having regular direct flights into Heathrow and improved air links is a key ask in our city-region deal,” she said.
“This news is a vote of confidence in the Highland economy and will be welcomed by business, residents and visitors.”
Phyllis Stuart, British Airways’ airport manager in Inverness, said: “We have been able to increase flights to Inverness because the airport is exempt from air passenger duty.
“Since we reintroduced the daily service between Inverness and Heathrow we have seen steady growth in passenger numbers at both ends of the route.”
