Highlands and Islands aviation summit to address lifeline air services

A Highlands and Islands aviation summit is scheduled for 29 September to address the future of lifeline air services. The meeting aims to create more stable and dependable connections for island communities.

Shetland MSP Hannah Mary Goodlad and Highlands and Islands MSP Kristopher Leask have advocated for a fundamental review of these services. They previously collaborated with regional transport partnerships to develop an aviation options paper for Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn. Goodlad noted that despite significant public spending, current services remain unreliable and unaffordable for many islanders, stating that “continuing with the status quo is no longer an option.”