A decision by Flybe to scrap its flights between Inverness and London has been described as a “body blow to the Highlands”.
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP David Stewart, recently appointed shadow minister for transport, said the loss of the route would be particularly damaging to businesses, while Inverness Provost Alex Graham said he hoped a replacement operator would step in.
Flybe, Europe’s biggest regional budget airline, said it was suspending its Inverness to London City flights because of lower than anticipated passenger numbers.
They will cease from Sunday, February 22, just four months after the service was introduced on October 27, 2014.
Flybe also announced it was planning to increase flight numbers from Edinburgh to London City to six per day.
The firm closed its Inverness base in 2013 as part of cost-cutting drive which resulted in the loss of 35 local jobs.
The north-east also suffered with the closure of the Aberdeen base and the loss of 12 jobs.
In November 2014 Flybe announced that about 100 jobs would be brought into Aberdeen due to the re-opening of its base there, however the Inverness base which Mr Stewart campaigned to retain, remains closed.
Last night, he said it was “extremely disappointing” that Flybe had decided to slash the daily Inverness to London City service.
“The route was hailed locally by many as a huge boost for the Highland economy, and was praised in particular by those in the local business community who recognised the commercial potential opened up by this service,” said Mr Stewart.
“Maintaining regional air connectivity – both domestic and international – is vital to supporting the economy of the Highlands and Islands through bringing in business investment and supporting the tourist industry. The loss of the service will be a blow to both.”
A Flybe spokeswoman said: “Flybe constantly reviews its schedule as part of its disciplined approach to growth.
“As a result, Flybe is regrettably suspending its Inverness to London City service with effect from Sunday, February 22, due to lower than anticipated passenger numbers.”
Mr Graham said: “It is very disappointing for Inverness that this has been decided because connectivity to London is vital to us as a city centre and for the Highlands in general.
“It does come as a surprise and a disappointment and I just hope that a suitable substitute can be brought in.”