A CROSS-PARTY group of MSPs have called for urgent action from the Scottish Government to safeguard local flights that serve their communities.
Weekday services on the Sumburgh-Kirkwall-Inverness routes are set to be scrapped, with weekend operations still running, while services on the Stornoway-Inverness routes will continue to run daily, but at a reduced frequency.
The Scottish airliner said that "after reviewing all operational and financial options, we can no longer sustain the current level of service without impacting the wider business."
It is understood that the airline had requested an additional funding package from the Scottish Government-owned airport manager Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), but the full amount requested was not granted and instead a lower offer was made.
The MSPs have said these "essential routes service vital intra-regional transport connections which are essential for health services, transient workers, and local businesses."
Scottish Greens' Highlands and Islands MSP Kristopher Leask, the SNP's Shetland MSP, Hannah-Mary Goodlad, Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, who represents Orkney, and the Labour representative for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Donald MacKinnon MSP, have co-written a letter to the Scottish Government.
The chairs of local transport boards, the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HiTrans) and the Shetland Transport Partnership (ZeTrans), were also involved.
The cross-party group directed the letter to the new Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Stephen Flynn, urging the Government to work with them on a regional air strategy that addresses the long-term viability and deliverability of lifeline routes.
They said: "The Highlands and Islands have a unique and crucial perspective on matters relating to transport, many of which we share common ground on with cross-party support, and all recognise the vital lifeline services which sustain rural and island communities.
"As cross-party elected representatives from across the Highlands and Islands, and from islands ourselves, we are collectively writing to you with concern about the planned reduction in Loganair services between Shetland, Orkney, Inverness, and Stornoway which we are sure you will be familiar with.
"We all recognise that our regional rural air services require longer term consideration and reform, but in the short term we would encourage you to consider the following points.
"Firstly, we welcome your engagement with Loganair and Highlands and Islands Airport Limited (HIAL) together on the immediate issue of a proposed reduction in capacity on the Sumburgh-Kirkwall-Inverness and Stornoway-Inverness routes.
"Secondly, we ask for your commitment to work with us on a wider regional air strategy which addresses the long-term viability and deliverability of vital lifeline routes across our region.
"This commitment was previously made in the National Transport Strategy, however the resulting Aviation Policy Statement does not address the need for holistic review of how we deliver these services."
They added: "Beyond that, we stress the need to consider our regional air links holistically in partnership with HiTrans and ZetTrans and ask that you convene a meeting with us and our two regional transport partnerships to collectively resolve these long running issues.
"We look forward to your response and offer our support in delivering a regional air service that is fit for purpose and focussed on delivering for our communities."
A spokesperson from Loganair said: “Loganair can confirm that services on the Inverness–Stornoway and Inverness–Kirkwall–Sumburgh routes will be reduced from July 19, 2026, following extensive discussions with Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd and other stakeholders.
“We recognise how important these routes are to the communities they serve, and this decision has not been taken lightly. However, after reviewing all operational and financial options, we can no longer sustain the current level of service without impacting the wider business.
“We remain committed to the Highlands and Islands and are ready to continue discussions with HIAL, Transport Scotland and other partners. If appropriate support becomes available, we will welcome the opportunity to restore the full winter timetable.
“Our focus now is on protecting essential connectivity and ensuring customers have clear information about the revised schedule.”
