Western Isles Council leaders last night welcomed the announcement of 12 new flights a week between Stornoway and Aberdeen – including a new Sunday service – following a long campaign.
Flybe franchise partner Eastern Airways is providing two flights a day on Monday to Friday services, and now also at the weekend.
The double daily service started yesterday and provides onward connections to Flybe’s London Heathrow, Manchester and Birmingham flights.
Councillor Uisdean Robertson, transport chairman at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: “[We] welcome the announcement of what appears to be significant improvements to the air service between Stornoway and Aberdeen.
“We, along with colleagues in HIE and with a number of private individuals, have campaigned for a long time to have a service in place that would improve connectivity between Stornoway and Aberdeen, including the availability of a service that better met the needs of island-based residents working in and out of Aberdeen in the oil and gas sector.”
He added: “We will seek to work with the airline in ensuring the viability of the route and the services provided by them.”
Inglis Lyon, managing director of Highlands and Islands Airports, said: “The double daily service will further improve connectivity between Lewis and Harris and the mainland and will offer more opportunities for local people to plan onward flights.
“Increased frequency also makes it easier for visitors to experience the stunning natural beauty and hospitality to be found in the Western Isles.
“We work closely with our airline partners to deliver the best possible services for passengers and to continue to deliver sustainable growth in the Highlands and Islands.”
Mathew Herzberg, Eastern Airways’ head of commercial, said: “We have seen an increase in passenger numbers on the route and listened to feedback, and the time is now right to increase to double daily, offering day return options and the introduction of a new Sunday service to help increase leisure opportunities to the Western Isles.
“The additional frequency also means that Stornoway passengers will have improved access to the many Flybe flights such as London Heathrow, Manchester and Birmingham via Aberdeen.”
All Eastern Airways flights are bookable at Flybe.com with fares on the Aberdeen to Stornoway route starting from £86.99 one way, including taxes and charges.
Eastern Airways first started operating flights between Stornoway and Aberdeen in January 2006.