Highland Council issues update on Wick-Aberdeen air service suspension
Following media reports early this week that Eastern Airways has filed notice of intention to appoint an administrator, and subsequent confirmation from the Civil Aviation Authority that Eastern has suspended all operations across the United Kingdom, The Highland Council has now issued an update on the situation for the attention of all affected passengers and stakeholders.
The Highland Council has a contract with Eastern Airways to operate air services between Wick and Aberdeen under a Public Service Obligation (PSO). Following on from notification of cancellations on Monday 27 October, no services have operated on the route and it is not clear at this point when flying activity might resume.
Passengers are advised at this stage to refer to the Civil Aviation Authority statement, which contains clear advice on their rights and guidance on how they might recover the cost of any bookings made. Passengers should not travel to the airport as flights will not be operating, and are urged to make their own alternative travel arrangements via other airlines, rail or coach operators.
Officers have been working closely with internal counterparts in the Council’s Legal and Procurement departments, as well as with the Department for Transport and Transport Scotland to better understand the Council’s legal position and ability to issue an emergency procurement for a replacement operator on the route should this prove necessary.
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