British Airways has commenced an early-morning flight between Inverness and London Heathrow – the first flight connecting the route for more than two decades.
The new morning service allows customers to travel between the two cities and return the same day, and will be supporting the business sector. Launched on March 28, the service was operated by an Airbus 319 aircraft. Departures from Inverness airport do not have Air Passenger Duty (APD), which also benefits the route.
The new Heathrow – Inverness schedule will see a 30 per cent increase in capacity on the route and brings the number of flights up to three return services on Saturdays and Sundays, with a double daily service Monday to Friday. From October, British Airways will operate a double daily service between the two cities seven days a week.
Phyllis Stuart, British Airways’ Airport Manager at Inverness Airport, said: ‘This is an important day for British Airways, for Inverness and for the Scottish Highlands and Islands. The introduction of our new and expanded schedule gives the people and businesses of Inverness and the Highlands and Islands even greater access to more than 150 destinations on our global network from Heathrow.
‘This is British Airways’ centenary year, so we were delighted that members of the Inverness Royal British Legion Pipe Band, which is also celebrating its 100th birthday, were with us today to mark the start of our new expanded schedule.’
Graeme Bell, General Manager at Inverness Airport, said: ‘The air link between these two cities goes from strength to strength and we very much welcome these additional flights. The new service will provide business travellers with more flexibility and connectivity between the two cities. The additional flights will also enhance worldwide connections to the Highlands and Islands, making the area even more attractive to overseas visitors keen to experience the best of what our region has to offer.’
