A staycation boom in the north has contributed to a high number of flight bookings for this summer, according to one airline.
Loganair has announced its booking to Scottish islands has risen by 18% for July and 16% for August compared to last year.
The airline believes that the rise could be down to the cost of international travel increasing after the Brexit vote and security concerns in previously popular sun traps.
Services between Scotland and England are also increasing in popularity, with Manchester to Glasgow bookings between June – August up by 109% and Norwich to Edinburgh showing 46% growth.
Loganair has increased its capacity to key destinations including Shetland, Orkney, Stornoway, Benbecula and Islay in anticipation of summer passengers.
Bookings on Shetland routes are up 18% in the peak June to August holiday period versus last year while Orkney has grown by 13%.
Services to Barra are also performing well, with 38% more bookings between June and August compared to 2016 – partly down to a third rotation to Glasgow on key dates wherever tide times permit extra flights to be added to Barra’s unique beach runway.
Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair’s managing director, said: “We always expect summer to be busy, yet the advance booking figures for this year suggest it will be busier than ever.
“People are opting to stay closer to home and our bookings reflect that. The Highlands and islands have a tremendous amount to offer, and it’s pleasing to see so many travellers planning their holidays in Scotland.”
