Wick–Aberdeen Air Service Update - Issued 13 Jan 2026
The Highland Council is providing a further update on arrangements for the Wick–Aberdeen air service following the recent announcement that Air Charter Scotland (ACS) had been appointed to operate the route and tickets were released last week.
The service follows an Emergency Procurement exercise after the previous operator entered administration in October 2025.
Update on Service Commencement
Effective today, from 14 January 2026, Air Charter Scotland has contracted Dragonfly Aviation Services, a UK-based operator to operate Wick–Aberdeen-Wick, flying a G-registered Beech King Air 200 aircraft seating 7 passengers, operating six days per week.
The interim timetable will mirror the previously published schedule:
- Early-morning departures from Wick, Monday to Thursday, supporting business, healthcare access and onward connections from Aberdeen
- Early evening departure on Fridays
- A late afternoon return from Aberdeen on Sundays, supporting weekend leisure and commuting travel
This guarantees temporary lift to ensure the vital lifeline route starts on time.
As previously announced, a Netherlands registered Jetstream J32 was cleared to fly domestically, with all the required Civil Aviation Authority approvals secured. An obstacle arose last week, however (related to Border Force) which needs to be resolved ahead of the larger aircraft commencing the route from 1 March.
Commitment to the Region
All partners have remained focused on restoring and maintaining this vital air link as quickly as possible.
The Highland Council continues to recognise the Wick–Aberdeen air service as a lifeline route for the region, providing essential, affordable and accessible connectivity for those who live in, work in, and visit the far north.
Statement from the Leader of The Highland Council
Councillor Raymond Bremner, Leader of The Highland Council, Chair of the Wick John O’ Groats Airport Consultative Committee and local member for Wick and East Caithness, said:
“Having a reliable air link from the far north to central Scotland is key to growing our local economy, improving connectivity and supporting the sustainability of our communities.
“While we have faced an unexpected challenge in recent days, partners have once again worked collaboratively to overcome it and ensure the continuation of this vital service.
“I would like to thank council officers, Air Charter Scotland and all other agencies and partners for their tireless efforts to ensure services recommence on 14 January 2026.”
Derek Thomson, Chief Operating Officer at Air Charter Scotland said:
“Air Charter Scotland Ltd is delighted to have been awarded the Wick–Aberdeen–Wick PSO air service. We are proud to support the people of the Caithness community by keeping this vital air link flying and providing a service the region can truly be proud of. This has been a real team effort in a relatively short space of time, with many people and organisations working tirelessly behind the scenes to make this possible. We look forward to serving the local community – with the King Air 200 initially and then the 18 seat Jetstream J32, which we are also in the process of adding to our own Air Operator’s Certificate.”