Hebridean Air Services ends flights to Isle of Islay

An airline, described as Britain’s smallest, has ended its services to the Isle of Islay.

Hebridean Air Services has ceased flying from Oban to the island due to “low passenger numbers”.

The airline operates services from Oban to Scottish islands such as Coll, Tiree and Colonsay as well as routes subsidised by Argyll and Bute Council.

Islay is a popular destination for tourists famed for its natural beauty and whisky heritage, however, the flights were not subsidised.

Hebridean Air Services Hebridean Air Services

The airline introduced the route in 2009 but said there was a relatively low demand for the route.

The Islay route saw a further decline in demand following after the Covid pandemic meaning it was no longer “commercially viable”.

A spokesperson for Hebridean Air Services said: “The services provided under the Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract to Argyll and Bute Council do not include the Oban to Islay route.

“The route was introduced in around 2009 integrating into the services offered by Hebridean Air Services at that time.

“The option for this routing has endured however on a strictly commercial basis, it is not a subsidised route.

“Unfortunately the passenger demand/usage has historically been relatively low and, since the Covid-19 Pandemic demand has dropped further.

“Unfortunately therefore the difficult decision was taken to cease offering the service as it is no longer commercially viable to continue.

“While this is an unwelcome development for anyone wishing to use the service we feel that it is the right decision for the business and ultimately protecting the PSO also.”