Major airline cancels flights from UK - starts on July 19

A UK airline is set to cancel flights next month due to routes being “loss-making for a sustained period”. Loganair, based in Scotland, will cut flights on its Inverness and Western and Northern Isles services from July 19.

This means that from mid-July, flights between Inverness, Orkney and Shetland will only be available on Saturdays and Sundays. The company’s boss, Luke Farajallah, says the routes matter “enormously” to the Glasgow-based firm.

There is hope that the flights will later be reintroduced. Orkney Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur said: “These are lifelines for all communities.

“Cuts will affect those who rely on the service, including many hospital patients.”

Mr Farajallah said Highlands and Islands Airports (Hial) has been involved in discussions with the airline company.

He said: “The recent increase in fuel prices, together with escalations in aircraft repair costs, airport fees and route charges, mean that Loganair, Hial and Transport Scotland must find a way to sustain lifeline routes where passenger numbers are limited.

“We do not take these decisions lightly. These routes matter to us and to the communities they serve but we must balance that commitment with the long-term sustainability of Loganair and the wider network these communities also rely on.”

The news comes as other airline companies have experienced significant problems in recent months.

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European Cargo, based at Bournemouth Airport, collapsed into administration earlier this month, resulting in the loss of 178 jobs.

The company blamed reduced flying activity and rising fuel costs for its struggles.

A spokesperson for Teneo Financial Advisory Limited, which has been appointed as the administrator, said: "The appointment follows a period of significant financial pressure on the business, driven by reduced flying activity and working capital and fuel cost pressures.

"Following their appointment, the joint administrators have been assessing the Company’s position and available options. The Company has ceased trading and, regrettably, redundancies are being made.

"Affected employees are being contacted as a priority and the joint administrators are focused on supporting them through this process, while also engaging with customers, suppliers, creditors, and other key stakeholders. Further updates will be provided as appropriate."