Talks with Flybe over Inverness air links

Leader of the Highland Council, Drew Hendry and Director of Development and Infrastructure, Stuart Black met with senior executives of Flybe and HIAL today in Inverness.

Chief Operating Officer of Flybe, Paul Simmons and Managing Director of Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL), Inglis Lyon, attended the meeting which was called to discuss the recent decision to suspend the London City link with Inverness and the disappointment that this had happened.

After discussing ways to avoid such a situation in the future, Cllr Hendry and Flybe also considered ways of improving the marketing of Flybe’s existing services and codeshare agreements, such as the Dublin service which links to the US enabling passengers to clear US customs through a Dublin airport. The three times daily service to Flybe’s Manchester hub, with a growing range of international links and services to Amsterdam were also discussed.

Cllr Hendry said: “Whilst we were very disappointed to lose the Flybe service to London City, I am encouraged to hear about other developments including the opportunity to enhance some services and the potential of links with new locations.

“The Council is ready to work with local partners and other operators to promote services from Inverness, as air connectivity is vital to the economy and success of the Highlands."