Island communities across the Highlands and Islands are facing uncertainty after Loganair confirmed it will temporarily reduce services on key routes linking Inverness with the Western and Northern Isles from 19 July.

The airline says soaring operating costs and sustained losses have forced it to make what it describes as one of the most difficult decisions in its history, while continuing discussions with government and transport bodies over a long term funding solution.

The routes affected are the Inverness to Stornoway service and the Inverness to Kirkwall and Sumburgh connection, both of which play a vital role for island residents travelling for healthcare, education, work and family commitments.

Loganair says it remains ready to restore the previous level of service from October if additional funding can be secured.

The announcement comes amid growing concerns about transport connectivity across rural Scotland, with many island communities heavily dependent on reliable air links to the mainland.

The airline says the routes have been loss making for a prolonged period and have been hit by rising costs across multiple areas of the business.

Fuel prices, aircraft repairs, airport fees and route charges have all increased significantly, placing additional pressure on services where passenger numbers are relatively limited.

Luke Farajallah, Chief Executive of Loganair, said:

“This has been one of the hardest decisions we have had to make, set against one of the most difficult trading periods the airline industry has seen in recent years with fuel prices doubling in May alone.

“We recognise the strength of feeling across island communities about the future of lifeline air services from Inverness to the Northern and Western Isles, and we understand how important these connections are for healthcare, work, education, and family life.

“The Inverness–Stornoway and Inverness–Kirkwall–Sumburgh routes matter enormously to us, as do the communities they serve.

“Following many months of discussion with HIAL, Transport Scotland and other stakeholders, services from Inverness will be temporarily reduced from 19 July 2026.

“Assuming the appropriate funding can be found, we are ready to reinstate and resume this service from October.

“These routes are operated commercially and have been loss-making for a sustained period.

“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.”

The airline says it has spent months working with Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, Transport Scotland and other stakeholders to identify possible solutions.

Mr Farajallah also argued that the situation raises wider questions about how regional aviation is supported in the UK, pointing out that many other essential transport services receive longer term public backing.

Despite the changes, Loganair stressed that all other routes across the Highlands and Islands will continue to operate as normal.

The company says it remains committed to finding a sustainable solution that protects connectivity for island communities while ensuring the long term viability of Scotland’s largest regional airline.