Highland Council reiterates commitment to Wick flights as funding decision is awaited
Highland Council has said efforts to secure funding to support flights between Wick and Aberdeen for a further 12 months are “ongoing”, with the current contract due to run out at the end of this month.
The local authority reiterated that it is “committed to the provision of lifeline services from Wick John O’Groats Airport”, while Transport Scotland said ministers are considering the Scottish Government’s funding contribution.
The flights are subsidised by a public service obligation (PSO) funded annually by Highland Council (£300,000) and the Scottish Government (£1 million) through a contract with Eastern Airways. The PSO began in April 2022.
The decision on continued funding rests with Scotland’s transport secretary Fiona Hyslop, who announced this week she will be retiring from Holyrood at next year’s Scottish Parliament elections.
A Highland Council spokesperson said: “The process for agreeing continued funding for the PSO beyond March 2025 is ongoing, and evidence has been prepared for presentation to the cabinet secretary for transport in support of this.
“The council remains committed to the provision of lifeline services from Wick John O’Groats Airport and is actively working with partners to ensure their continuation.”
Transport Scotland said ministers “are currently considering the Scottish Government’s funding contribution to the Wick to Aberdeen air service from April 1, 2025, onwards”.
The national transport agency is awaiting a report from Highland Council “which will help inform that decision”.
A PSO factsheet on the council’s website states: “Discussions are ongoing with Transport Scotland regarding funding until March 2026, along with a long-term development plan for services beyond that date.
“As a ‘lifeline’ service, the main goal of the PSO is to support the community of the north Highlands, giving residents better access to employment, leisure, healthcare and social opportunities. It is also designed to support businesses by improving connectivity with the rest of the UK and accelerating tourism.”
In November it was reported that changes to the Wick/Aberdeen flight schedule had brought “positive results”, with fewer cancellations and an increase in passenger numbers – raising hopes for the long-term sustainability of the service.
