Highland councillors mount campaign to protect Inverness Airport
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Fears raised link between Inverness Airport and London Gatwick could be threatened.
A CAMPAIGN to retain Inverness as a regional air hub will be undertaken by Highland councillors amid fears the vital link to London Gatwick could be at risk because of increases to landing charges.
Elected members unanimously backed low-cost airline Flybe, which challenging the change and runs a three times a day service between the cities.
They will also seek meetings at Holyrood and Westminster to highlight the importance of daily air links for inward investment to the region’s economy.
"I am delighted that this important issue has received cross party support as it is crucial that the Highlands have a good and affordable air link with the UK’s capital city," said the council administration’s leader, councillor Michael Foxley.
Councillor Michael Foxley is leading the campaign.
Councillors will also seek the support of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities because they believe it will effect other parts of the country.
"Any increase in fees will inevitably need to be passed on to customers and the real danger is that this will make the route less profitable and therefore less viable," Councillor Foxley added.
"It goes against the whole ethos of promoting Inverness and the Highlands as both a place to do business and as a tourism destination.
"Any risk to our air service needs to be taken very seriously as a loss in service would severely impact on the whole region.
"To travel from Inverness to London by train takes more than eight hours and while other areas of the UK are to benefit from improvements to a high speed rail connection, there are no such options for Highland residents."
