Flight cancellations between Inverness and London raised at House of Commons
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MPs are demanding an explanation over flight delays and cancellations between Inverness and London.
The Scottish Affairs Committee has written to airlines and Scottish airports today raising its concerns with delays to, and cancellations of, flights between Scotland and London.
It comes in the wake of recent disruption to air passengers travelling to and from the Highlands, prompting some to question the reliability of air services.
As well as Inverness Airport, the committee has written to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Glasgow, Heathrow and London City airports.
The cross-party committee of MPs questions what airports are doing to ensure punctual flights and requests data on current delays.
The MPs are also requesting more information on how airports are mitigating the impact of staff shortages on flight reliability.
The committee has also written to British Airways and easyJet, asking for an assessment of the current situation and for their plans, if any, to increase the number of flights connecting Scotland and London.
Given ticket prices have increased since the pandemic, the MPs ask for airlines’ views on the consequences and long-term sustainability of new higher price points.
The correspondence follows the committee’s inquiry into airports in Scotland, which looked at the impact of the pandemic, local tourism and environmental concerns.
Pete Wishart, chairman of the Scottish Affairs Committee, said: "Strong connectivity between Scotland and London is not only vital for the Scottish economy, but also necessary for those in Scotland to travel on to destinations all over the world.
"In recent months, our committee has become increasingly concerned with the persistent issues with flights between Scotland and London.
"We have heard evidence of widespread delays and last-minute cancellations.
"Today, we’ve asked airlines and airports to explain why flights have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, with prices stubbornly high and fewer scheduled flights at every airport."
