Highlands and Islands Airports today (3 January 2007) said bmi’s decision to stop its London Heathrow – Inverness operation at the end of March was driven by market pressures.
Inglis Lyon, managing director of HIAL, said: “We have worked very hard with bmi to maintain the Heathrow link which is an important one for our region. It’s disappointing that it will stop but not surprising given the pressure on slots at Heathrow.
“Regaining a Heathrow link at Inverness was a real coup in 2004 and bucked the industry trend of regional air access to the UK’s busiest airport steadily reducing. However, increasing congestion at Heathrow and the value of slots has now taken its toll and the economics of the situation make long haul services a far more attractive bet for airlines.
“This news strengthens the case for our region and other UK regions to support the current expansion plans at Heathrow since additional runway capacity will be essential if regional links are ever to be reinstated.
“Fortunately, at Inverness, we are still well served with links to Gatwick and Luton. We are also talking to operators regarding potential new London services with London City a target for development,” said Mr Lyon.
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