McArthur seeks clarity on future of direct Orkney-Heathrow air service

Liam McArthur, Orkney's MSP has written to Dundee City Council and Loganair senior management seeking an update on when a decision regarding the withdrawal of the Dundee – Heathrow public service obligation contract will be reached.  

Loganair have announced their intention to withdraw from the route, but discussions with Dundee City Council remain ongoing and customers are yet to be informed about the impact on pre-booked travel.  

In response to Mr McArthur, Dundee City Council confirmed that a decision should be forthcoming ‘in the near future’ but could not commit to a definitive timeframe. Loganair representatives reiterated the airline's ongoing commitment to the Dundee operation and indicated that a review of ‘alternative London airport options was underway’.  

Commenting, Mr McArthur said:  

"The direct route through Dundee to Heathrow has been a convenient way for islanders in Orkney and Shetland to travel to and from London over the past few years. The viability of the PSO arrangement is obviously a matter for the local council and Loganair to negotiate, but any loss of connectivity for our islands is regrettable.  

"Moreover, for those with pre-existing bookings, the ongoing uncertainty about the status of their flights is a source of understandable frustration. Passengers can still use the codeshare between Loganair and BA to book interlined flights through other Scottish mainland airports, but the sooner passengers know what is happening the sooner alternative arrangements can be made."