Eastern confirms its withdrawal of Stornoway service

Earlier today news had emerged that customers trying to book flights to travel via the Island air link to the mainland were being advised that there were no flights available after October 26th, or for the rest of the year, even though no formal statement had been released by the company.

But this afternoon an Eastern Airways spokesperson told the Gazette: “Regrettably, due to the increasing costs of operating the Aberdeen to Stornoway route, we are left with no alternative but to withdraw the service from 29th October 2018 as it becomes unviable to sustain.

“With a mix of increasing ground handling charges at Stornoway airport, fuel increasing, compensation likelihood as we head into winter combined with a shortage of aircraft following ground handling damage sustained to two aircraft in the past months reducing fleet availability in the short to medium term, these have combined to culminate in our decision to withdraw from the route.

“Passengers with bookings beyond 29th October will be offered a full refund.”