The Leader of The Highland Council has welcomed confirmation from Transport Scotland of almost £1.8 million funding to support Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services from Wick for the year ahead
Following an open tender exercise, the Council has awarded the contract to Air Charter Scotland, which will continue to operate services between Wick and Aberdeen and introduce scheduled flights between Wick and Glasgow from 15 August 2026 to 14 August 2027.
The service will operate using an 18-seat BAe Jetstream 32 aircraft, providing four flights per week to Aberdeen and three flights per week to Glasgow.
Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Raymond Bremner said: "I am delighted that Transport Scotland has confirmed funding for the Wick PSO air service for the year ahead.
"At a time when the aviation sector continues to face wider uncertainty, this funding demonstrates the shared commitment of both Transport Scotland and The Highland Council to maintaining vital air connectivity for our communities.
"I am particularly pleased that, alongside the continuation of flights to Aberdeen, the new contract introduces scheduled services to Glasgow, responding to longstanding demand for improved links with Scotland's Central Belt and creating new opportunities for business, healthcare travel, tourism and onward national and international connections.
"While today's announcement is very welcome, it is important that routes such as Wick continue to be recognised as lifeline services in future discussions around aviation policy and regional connectivity. These services play a crucial role in supporting the sustainability and economic prosperity of remote and rural communities.
"I would like to thank Transport Scotland, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, Air Charter Scotland, Council officers and all partners involved in securing this outcome. Most importantly, I would like to thank the passengers and local communities whose continued support helps demonstrate the importance of maintaining these connections for the North Highlands."
FAQs
Does the PSO have funding to continue?
Yes. Transport Scotland has committed funding of almost £1.8m towards the Public Service Obligation (PSO) service, with Highland Council contributing over £600,000. Together, this provides a total funding package of £2.4m to safeguard lifeline PSO flights from Wick John O'Groats Airport.
To provide greater certainty for passengers and support the long-term development of the service, Highland Council has chosen to issue a four-year contract to the operator, with annual break clauses linked to future funding arrangements.
Transport Scotland has currently confirmed funding for the first year of the contract, up to 14 August 2027. It has indicated its aspiration to continue supporting the service for the full four-year period, subject to future budget decisions. Highland Council's decision to award a four-year contract demonstrates its confidence in the future of this important lifeline service.
Will Air Charter Scotland continue to operate the route?
Yes. Air Charter Scotland has delivered a reliable service alongside excellent customer service and has worked closely with Highland Council to develop the new timetable for the service.
The existing contract expires on 14 August 2026 and the new contract will take effect from that date.
Why has Highland Council awarded a four-year contract when Transport Scotland has confirmed funding for one year?
Highland Council believes long-term stability is important for passengers, businesses and the operator. Awarding a four-year contract with annual break clauses provides greater certainty while recognising that Transport Scotland currently confirms PSO funding on an annual basis.
This approach avoids the need to re-procure the service every year, supports longer-term planning and demonstrates Highland Council's commitment to maintaining and developing air connectivity for the North Highlands.
Will the PSO continue to fly to Aberdeen?
Yes. The funding package allows regular scheduled flights between Wick John O'Groats Airport and Aberdeen Airport to continue.
Timetable and fare information is provided below.
Have any new routes been added?
Yes. We are pleased to introduce a new scheduled service between Wick John O'Groats Airport and Glasgow Airport.
Highland Council and its stakeholders are aware of the strong demand for improved connectivity to Scotland's Central Belt and worked closely with the operator to secure this additional route within the available funding.
The new Glasgow service is expected to benefit both business and leisure travellers while providing improved onward connections across the UK and internationally. The dual-route model has been designed to maximise connectivity while making the best use of the funding available, and its long-term success will depend on passenger uptake.
Why was Glasgow chosen ahead of other destinations such as Edinburgh?
Highland Council considered a range of options before selecting Glasgow.
While Edinburgh was examined, suitable landing slots could not be secured within the available funding and timetable constraints.
The new timetable has been carefully designed to maximise onward national and international connections, support healthcare travel and provide attractive options for business and leisure passengers.
When will tickets go on sale?
Flights will be available to book before the new timetable starts. The current timetable (to Aberdeen only) will operate until Sunday 16 August 2026, then the new timetable (to both Aberdeen and Glasgow) will operate from Monday 17 August 2026.
How far in advance can bookings be made?
Bookings will be able to be made up to and including 14 August 2027.
Will there be any interruption to services after August 2026?
No. We do not anticipate any disruption to services.
While the new contract could not be finalised until Transport Scotland confirmed its funding contribution, Highland Council officers have undertaken significant preparatory work to enable a smooth transition. Air Charter Scotland has been awarded the contract for the period to 14 August 2027.
At this stage, we expect services to continue without interruption.
How long will the new contract run?
The new contract runs from 2026 until 2030, providing greater long-term stability for the service.
The contract includes annual break clauses linked to future funding arrangements with Transport Scotland.
How much will flights to Aberdeen and Glasgow cost?
Wick – Aberdeen
One way
- Standard Fare – £79.99
- Flex Fare – £109.99
Return
- Standard Fare – £149.00
- Flex Fare – £199.00
This continues the existing fare structure on the current Wick-Aberdeen service, ensuring continuity of pricing for passengers.
Wick – Glasgow
One way
- Standard Fare – £119.99
- Flex Fare – £149.99
Return
- Standard Fare – £229.00
- Flex Fare – £279.00
Children under 12 continue to receive a 25% discount and children under two travel free on both routes.
The new schedule offers:
Flights to Aberdeen
- Four flights each week to Aberdeen (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday)
- Two same-day return options (Tuesday and Thursday)
- Onward travel to Glasgow on Monday and Friday services
- A return service from Aberdeen to Wick on Sunday
Flights to Glasgow
- Three flights each week to Glasgow (Monday, Wednesday and Friday)
- Two same-day return options (Monday and Wednesday)
- Monday and Friday services operate via Aberdeen
- A return service from Glasgow to Wick on Sunday
The timetable has been designed to support business travel, healthcare appointments and leisure trips, including new weekend travel options to Glasgow. Flight times have also been selected to maximise opportunities for onward travel by air and rail. Passengers travelling to Glasgow via Aberdeen can remain on board the aircraft during the stopover.
What happens after August 2027?
Highland Council will continue working closely with Transport Scotland and other stakeholders to secure long-term funding for the PSO service and provide as much certainty as possible for passengers and the operator.
Although Transport Scotland has currently confirmed funding for one year, Highland Council has demonstrated its confidence in the future of the service by awarding a four-year contract with annual break clauses. This provides a strong platform for maintaining and developing this vital air connection for the North Highlands.