ALMOST £1.8 million in funding has been announced for flights from Caithness to Aberdeen, with the creation of a new route to Glasgow also being revealed.
The Scottish Government announced the funding to support the Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes for the next 12 months on Wednesday. They will start in August in a bid to help maintain “vital air connections” for communities, businesses and visitors in the north of the country.
Highland Council has been awarded the contract to operate the services to Air Charter Scotland and will offer four flights a week to Aberdeen and three flights a week to Glasgow from Wick.
More than £623,000 will also come from Highland Council to go towards the creation of the Wick/Glasgow link while maintaining the Aberdeen route.
Announcing the funding, Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn said the routes provide crucial connectivity for businesses and communities across Caithness.
He said: “The Scottish Government fully recognises the economic and social importance of rural connectivity in Scotland and this reaffirms our continuing support for air services from Wick, including through our subsidy of Wick John O’Groats Airport.
“It is vital that the council continues to make every effort to increase use of the service further. The improved reliability of the Wick to Aberdeen service since Air Charter Scotland took over the route in January is a great starting point to build from.”
Air Charter Scotland has operated the Wick to Aberdeen service since January 2026 and introduced the 18-seat Jetstream 32 aircraft on the route, helping to increase the number of passengers that can travel on the route.
Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Maree Todd said the funding is “fantastic news” for Caithness, adding that it is a “significant step forward” in improving connectivity for far-north communities.
“Constituents have consistently raised with me the need to expand the flight options available from Wick John O’Groats Airport, and I know there has been a shared determination among local partners and elected representatives to make this happen,” she said.
“The introduction of scheduled flights to Glasgow is transformational. It will open up new opportunities for businesses, improve access to healthcare, strengthen tourism, and provide better onward connections to destinations across the UK and internationally.”
The leader of Highland Council, Raymond Bremner, also shared his delight at the funds, saying: “At a time when the aviation sector continues to face wider uncertainty, this demonstrates the shared commitment of both Transport Scotland and The Highland Council to maintaining vital air connectivity for our communities.”
He added: “I am particularly pleased that, alongside the continuation of flights to Aberdeen, the new contract introduces scheduled services to Glasgow, responding to longstanding demand for improved links with Scotland's Central Belt and creating new opportunities for business, healthcare travel, tourism and onward national and international connections.
“These services play a crucial role in supporting the sustainability and economic prosperity of remote and rural communities. I would like to thank Transport Scotland, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, Air Charter Scotland, Council officers and all partners involved in securing this outcome.”
