A Highland and Islands MSP has lodged two parliamentary questions requesting information surrounding the underlying effect Covid-19 has had on the region’s aviation industry.
MSP Rhoda Grant raised concerns about the future of the Highland aviation industry just days ago after regional transport provider Loganair suspended flights between Inverness and Shetland.
The Scottish Labour MSP said the move would pose “a huge blow”.
Taking to social media, she said: “This is a huge blow. Aviation has been very badly affected by Covid-19 and the ensuing restrictions. However, these are lifeline services and should be recognised as such.”
Mrs Grant has now lodged two parliamentary questions to the Scottish Government demand answers surrounding the moves being made to sustain the future of air travel and retaining lifeline services in the north.
In her correspondence she inquired about the actions being taken by ministers to safeguard the sector in light of the suspension and the collapse of the two air routes from Wick John O’ Groats airport.
She also questioned the Scottish Government on what assessment it has made of the impact on Highlands and Islands air routes in the light of the pandemic and what it plans to do to protect the region’s connectivity.
Mrs Grant said: “It’s vitally important the Scottish Government preserves and protects all the region’s air routes.
“These are lifeline services and should be recognised as such. It shows the need for more Public Service Obligations to protect our routes to our islands and remote communities.”
