UK airline has cancelled all flights cutting off charming seaside town

Eastern Airways' collapse severs a vital air link for Wick, a remote Scottish town dependent on the airline for connectivity. The sudden cessation of flights leaves residents facing significantly longer travel times, with the fastest route to London now a 15-hour train journey. The UK Civil Aviation Authority has advised passengers not to travel to the airport, as all Eastern Airways flights are cancelled. Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), which owns Wick John O’Groats Airport, is working with The Highland Council to find a replacement operator for the Public Service Obligation (PSO) route.

The loss of Eastern Airways impacts not only residents but also tourism to the region, known for attractions like the Sinclair and Girnigoe castles and Noss Head Lighthouse. The airport remains open, but without a commercial airline, its utility is severely limited. The UK Civil Aviation Authority is directing affected Eastern Airways customers to its website for information and assistance.

Eastern Airways' destinations included Aberdeen, Humberside, London Gatwick, Newquay, and Teesside International, highlighting the airline's role in connecting regional communities. The airline's failure underscores the vulnerability of remote areas that rely on air transport for essential services and economic activity. The situation also raises questions about the sustainability of regional airlines and the support mechanisms needed to ensure connectivity for isolated communities. The future of air service to Wick remains uncertain as stakeholders seek solutions to restore this crucial transportation link.