Loganair, the UK’s largest regional airline, is set to enhance connectivity for Scotland’s island communities with the introduction of new same-plane services as part of its 2025 summer schedule. Building on its successful same-plane routes between Shetland and London Heathrow, and between Orkney and London Heathrow, the airline will now offer four new routes, all operating via Inverness. These routes will bring greater ease and flexibility for travellers from Shetland and Orkney.
Starting next year, Loganair will introduce new same-plane services between:
• Sumburgh and Belfast – operating two weekday departures from Sumburgh to Belfast City with a 09.25 departure on Monday and Wednesday, and a Sunday departure from Belfast City to Sumburgh arriving at 14.55.
• Sumburgh and Manchester – operating southbound from Sumburgh to Manchester on a Sunday departing at 15:25, with northbound departures from Manchester to Sumburgh on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday arriving at 12:20
• Kirkwall and Belfast – operating two weekday departures from Kirkwall to Belfast City with a 10.30 departure on Monday and Wednesday, and a Sunday departure from Belfast City to Orkney arriving at 13.50
• Kirkwall and Manchester – operating southbound from Kirkwall to Manchester on a Sunday departing at 16.30 with northbound departures from Manchester to Kirkwall on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday arriving at 11:15.
The new routes mean passengers will stay aboard the same aircraft throughout their journey, making travel more seamless and comfortable. Passengers will also benefit from the Scottish Government’s Air Discount Scheme (ADS), which applies to the entire journey and provides significant savings for eligible island residents.
Connections are also available via Aberdeen to complement the new same-plane services offering additional frequency between these destinations.
Luke Lovegrove, chief commercial officer at Loganair, said: “We’re thrilled to launch new services connecting Shetland and Orkney with Manchester and Belfast on one-plane services that provide convenient routes between the bustling cities and remote Scottish islands.
“We’re committed to providing reliable connectivity across our network and it’s fantastic to be able to enhance travel options for the communities in which we operate.”
Loganair’s expansion follows the successful launch of its same-plane services from both Shetland and Orkney to London Heathrow via Dundee, which started in the summer of last year. The new routes reinforce the airline’s dedication to expanding access to Scotland’s most remote locations, making it easier than ever for residents and visitors to explore the UK.
A HIAL spokesperson commented: “We are thrilled to introduce this new Loganair route connecting the Orkney and Shetland Islands with two additional destinations, Belfast and Manchester. This expansion enhances our network, offering more travel connections through these international hubs. At HIAL, we are dedicated to collaborating with our airline partners to strengthen global connections for our region.”
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