Island flights

Loganair is to operate an extra eight services between Barra and Glasgow this summer in addition to the 17 additional rotations previously announced.

The schedule will be enhanced during May and June, with a 38% surge of advance bookings during the peak season compared to the same period in 2016.

However, there is still no air service from Barra to the rest of the Western Isles after councillors controversially abolished the flights in 2013.

They cut the Benbecula - Stornoway fights at the same time - ironically voted for by Uist councillors. The reduced service has been partially reinstated but the new timetable means missed connections.

Sightseer fares help boost the summer flights to Barra while the airline also reports a 13% increase of booking to Stornoway and Benbecula. Tickets purchased from the Western Isles to Glasgow has risen by 26% rise.

With the cost of international travel increasing due to currency changes after the Brexit vote and safety concerns in previously popular sun-spots, Loganair believes Western Isles tourism is heading for a strong year.

Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair’s managing director said: “People are opting to stay closer to home and our bookings reflect that. Barra and the Western Isles have a tremendous amount to offer, and it’s pleasing to see so many travellers planning their holidays around a trip to the islands.”

Tourism boosts demand for island flights

10 May 2017