Friday flight for Benbecula to Stornoway

An agreement for the new service has been struck by Loganair and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. A service between the two airports on Friday afternoons will start on October 21 until the end of the contract at the end of March 2017.

Friday operations will also be relaunched between Stornoway, Benbecula and Inverness where the 34-seat Saab 340 aircraft will be based.

The winter schedule, which begins at the end of October will operate the timetable: Inverness – Stornoway – departs 1350; Stornoway – Benbecula – departs 1500; Benbecula – Stornoway – departs 1605; Stornoway – Inverness – departs 1745

Fares from Benbecula to Stornoway start from £40.90 one-way, fares from Benbecula to Inverness for Air Discount Scheme members start from £45.52 each-way.

Chair of Transportation and Infrastructure at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Cllr John Mackay said: “I am delighted that the Comhairle has been able to bring the Stornoway - Benbecula flights back to a four day a week service. We look forward to continuing to work with Loganair for the benefit of the communities of Western Isles.”

Loganair’s Managing Director Jonathan Hinkles said: “The Comhairle asked us to review options to provide extra services between Stornoway and Benbecula, particularly focusing on Friday afternoons given its importance in many people’s travel plans. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to find a solution to enhance connectivity within the Western Isles and also restore a Friday link between Benbecula and Inverness.”

Loganair is contracted to provide air services between Stornoway and Benbecula under a Public Service Obligation until March 2017.

Having recently concluded a review of the current air service, the Comhairle will shortly be seeking tenders for the air service contract to run for four years from April 2017.