The Highland Council has submitted a final report to Transport Scotland outlining key opportunities for the future of Wick John O’Groats Airport.
The report sets out the importance of sustainable services and economic growth for the North Highlands over the next decade.
It also plays a crucial role in the Council’s support for the Wick-Aberdeen Public Service Obligation (PSO), providing the last piece of information required for Scottish Ministers to make a funding decision for 2025/26.
The Council has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting scheduled air services from Wick and is now waiting for confirmation from the Scottish Government on its stance.
Cllr Raymond Bremner, Chair of the Wick John O’Groats Airport Working Group, emphasised the necessity of continued support into 2025/26 to unlock the opportunities identified in the report.
He highlighted the substantial economic potential in the North Highlands and the vital role the airport will play in driving this forward.
Cllr Bremner stressed that ongoing support for scheduled services is essential to provide the short-term certainty needed for progress.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by the Wick-Aberdeen service over the past year and the disruption caused by an unforeseen schedule change this week.
Despite these hurdles, the Council remains fully committed to the airport’s future and will be working closely with Eastern Airways and other stakeholders.
Efforts will focus on building a sustainable and reliable service through to the end of 2025/26.
With the right backing, Wick John O’Groats Airport could become a critical driver of regional economic expansion.
The final decision from Scottish Ministers will determine the next steps in securing a stable and prosperous future for air services in the North Highlands.
