Wick air link needs 2030 deal, Caithness Chamber chief says as funding deadline approaches
Calls have been made to secure the future of “lifeline” flights from Wick through to the end of the decade.
A three-year agreement between Highland Council and the Scottish Government to fund a public service obligation (PSO) for the Wick-Aberdeen route, operated by Eastern Airways, runs out at the end of this month.
The local authority has committed to continuing its £300,000 a year funding and is awaiting a decision from the transport minister Fiona Hyslop on whether the government will still chip in £1 million to continue the agreement through to April 2026.
The Caithness Chamber of Commerce is now urging the minister to not only commit to the next 12 months but to consider extending the deal for a further four years after that.
Earlier this week, the local authority submitted a final output report of the Wick John O’Groats Airport Working Group to Transport Scotland.
The chamber says that this report provides a comprehensive overview of the potential for more sustainable operations at the airport and outlines a clear roadmap for generating new revenue opportunities.
Caithness Chamber played a key role in establishing the business case for reinstating air services at Wick John O’Groats Airport before their return in April 2022 and actively advocates for lifeline air services as part of the working group.
The partnership group was formed to facilitate a broader discussion regarding the long-term sustainability of the airport.
Trudy Morris, chief executive of the chamber and chairperson of the Caithness Transport Forum, said: “Our region possesses one of the most diverse economies in Scotland and deserves both equity and stability to maximise the significant opportunities ahead of us.
“Air connectivity is essential to achieving this goal, especially since we are poorly served by other forms of transportation. The public service obligation must reflect our region’s long-term vision.”
She added: “It is undeniable that the PSO is central to the sustainability of the airport. Aviation serves as a vital lifeline for the economy of the far north. Scheduled services are crucial for maintaining the airport, enabling it to continue supporting essential emergency medical and search-and-rescue operations, as well as passenger and commercial aviation and UK military needs.
“The north Highlands also play a pivotal role in the just transition, hosting a significant number of important low-carbon developments in Europe. Investors consistently cite strong transport links as essential for their operations and growth. Moreover, Wick John O’Groats Airport supports our thriving tourism sector, which contributes £135 million to the local economy.
“It is crucial that we secure funding for the existing Wick-Aberdeen PSO, as it is a vital component in realising sustainable operations and unlocking the immense potential at Wick John O’Groats Airport and developing additional air routes.”