Additional funding has been confirmed to support the continuation of the Wick to Aberdeen air service until 14 August 2026.
Scottish Ministers announced the support as part of the ongoing Public Service Obligation route which provides an important air link for communities and businesses in Caithness.
The contract to operate the service was awarded by Highland Council to Air Charter Scotland in December 2025 through an emergency procurement process following the collapse of the previous operator.
Flights resumed on 14 January 2026 with Air Charter Scotland now operating the route.
The airline has recently introduced an 18 seat Jetstream 32 aircraft to increase passenger capacity and support further growth on the service.
The Wick to Aberdeen connection has long been seen as an important transport link for the north of Scotland, particularly for business travel and access to wider connections.
Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie said the funding reflects the Scottish Government’s commitment to rural connectivity.
“I am pleased to confirm additional funding for the Wick to Aberdeen air service until 14 August 2026, providing important connectivity for businesses and communities across Caithness.
“The Scottish Government fully recognises the economic and social importance of rural connectivity in Scotland.
“In December, I was pleased to reaffirm our continued support for the Wick to Aberdeen air service and this additional funding is further confirmation of that commitment.
“It is vital that the Council continues to make every effort to increase use of the service further.
“The contract to operate the route was primarily designed to support business in the Caithness area and we want to see strong support from local business organisations translate into more passengers.”
Highland Council Leader Raymond Bremner welcomed the decision to extend the funding support.
“I am delighted that Ministers have elected to continue funding this vital, lifeline air service for the full seven months.
“The demise of Eastern Airways and subsequent failure of the previous Wick Aberdeen route resulted in a real blow to passenger confidence, and Air Charter Scotland have done a fantastic job in their first few weeks of operation to regain confidence and grow numbers on the route.
“Extending the PSO to August will give the Council and Air Charter Scotland a real opportunity to promote and grow the route even further, especially with the introduction of additional capacity from 1 March 2026.”
While the funding extension has been welcomed, Highland Council says long term support for the route will still be required.
The Council has already submitted a Full Business Case to Transport Scotland outlining the economic and social importance of maintaining air links for the far north.
Officials say they remain hopeful a further decision on funding beyond August 2026 will be made in the near future.
