BREAKING: Loganair to end Inverness to Birmingham and Dublin flights next year
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Loganair is to cease operating flights from Inverness to Birmingham and Dublin next year with the airline blaming “the current soft market conditions” and higher costs from the air traffic control provider.
The airline confirmed that the Inverness to Birmingham route will cease operation on January 5 while Inverness to Dublin will come to an end some time in the summer of 2024.
In June the airline spoke of progress in developing its operations through the Dublin route, making it more convenient to fly to the US,
The first news of the changes came through in messages sent out to passengers with bookings for next year. The move will be seen by many as a hammer blow to the local economy.
The partly public-owned NATS – which runs air traffic control at Birmingham airport – was given the go ahead by the Civil Aviation Authority to hike its prices by £2.08 per passenger last month.
A spokesperson from Loganair said: “Despite considerable efforts underway to reduce costs, including those forced upon us by NATS for air traffic control services, the current soft market conditions regrettably mean that the routes between Inverness and Birmingham and Inverness and Dublin regrettably will cease operations from 2024.
“Inverness to Birmingham will operate its last flight on January 5, 2024. Inverness to Dublin will be removed from sale for the Summer 2024 season. Loganair remains fully committed to both Inverness and Birmingham Airport and we continue to work closely with all our partners to safeguard remaining services. Customers will be contacted with alternative options. ''
