Communities in Caithness will continue to benefit from vital air connections after almost £1.8 million in Scottish Government funding was confirmed to support flights from Wick to Aberdeen and Glasgow for another year.
The funding will support the Public Service Obligation air services between 15 August 2026 and 14 August 2027, helping to maintain essential transport links for residents, businesses and visitors across the far north.
Following an open tender process, The Highland Council has awarded the contract to Air Charter Scotland, which will continue operating the routes using an 18 seat BAe Jetstream 32 aircraft.
The timetable will include four flights each week between Wick and Aberdeen and three flights each week between Wick and Glasgow, with full schedules to be published by the airline and The Highland Council.
Air Charter Scotland has operated the Wick to Aberdeen service since January 2026, when the introduction of the larger Jetstream aircraft increased passenger capacity and improved reliability on the route.
The return of scheduled flights to Glasgow is expected to strengthen links between Caithness and Scotland’s Central Belt, making it easier for people travelling for work, healthcare, education and leisure, while also improving connections to destinations across the UK and beyond.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn said:
“I am pleased to confirm this funding for PSO air services from Wick, providing important connectivity for businesses and communities across Caithness.
“The Scottish Government fully recognises the economic and social importance of rural connectivity in Scotland and this reaffirms our continuing support for air services from Wick, including through our subsidy of Wick John O’Groats Airport.
“It is vital that the Council continues to make every effort to increase use of the service further.
“The improved reliability of the Wick to Aberdeen service since Air Charter Scotland took over the route in January is a great starting point to build from.”
Highland Council Leader Raymond Bremner welcomed the investment, describing it as an important commitment to maintaining air services at a time of continued uncertainty across the aviation sector.
He said the addition of scheduled Glasgow flights responds to longstanding local demand while creating new opportunities for business, tourism, healthcare travel and wider onward connections.
He added:
“These services play a crucial role in supporting the sustainability and economic prosperity of remote and rural communities.”
Highlands and Islands MSP Maree Todd also welcomed the funding, describing the introduction of Glasgow services as a significant step forward for communities across the far north.
She said:
“The introduction of scheduled flights to Glasgow is transformational.
“It will open up new opportunities for businesses, improve access to healthcare, strengthen tourism, and provide better onward connections to destinations across the UK and internationally.”
The Scottish Government will provide £1,779,112 towards the services, with The Highland Council contributing £623,700, bringing the total support package to just over £2.4 million.
The agreement also includes the option to extend the contract beyond August 2027, subject to future funding decisions.
The Scottish Government separately continues to support the operation of Wick John O’Groats Airport through funding provided to Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, with the airport receiving an operational subsidy of £2.6 million during 2025 to 2026.
