Loganair has introduced a special “rescue fare” for passengers left stranded following the sudden suspension of operations by Eastern Airways, a move that threatens hundreds of jobs and disrupts vital air links across the UK’s energy corridor.
Eastern Airways, a long-serving provider of regional connections, especially between key oil and gas centres like Aberdeen, Wick, Humberside, and Teesside, filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator on Monday, effectively ceasing all flights as confirmed by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Airport departure boards showed that all of Eastern’s scheduled flights, including essential weekday services from Wick John O’Groats Airport to Aberdeen, were abruptly cancelled, leaving many travellers in limbo.
The collapse follows mounting financial troubles for Eastern Airways, whose latest filings revealed debts exceeding £25 million.
Eastern had established itself as a lifeline for remote communities and workers in the North Sea sector but struggled to sustain profitability despite significant support, including over £1 million annually from the Scottish Government for Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes.
In response, Loganair has launched its limited-time rescue fare on Aberdeen-Kirkwall and Aberdeen-Sumburgh routes, priced at £80 one way from the islands or £87 from Aberdeen, valid for stranded passengers for 72 hours following the announcement.
“As part of our commitment to keeping the islands connected, we’re introducing a special rescue fare on our Aberdeen/Kirkwall and Aberdeen/Sumburgh routes to assist affected Eastern Airways customers in reaching their destinations with minimal disruption,” said a Loganair spokesperson.
More booking details are being made available on Loganair’s website.
Loganair has also extended support to Eastern Airways’ employees, inviting affected staff to contact their recruitment team for potential job opportunities as uncertainty grips the workforce.
Loganair CEO Luke Farajallah commented:
“Like many across our industry, I am deeply saddened to hear reports that Eastern Airways (UK) Ltd may be entering administration and that it has suspended all its operations. For decades, Eastern Airways has been an important part of the UK’s regional aviation story.”
“At Loganair Limited, we’ve shared airspace, airports, and a common purpose with Eastern Airways for many years. We’ve competed, we’ve collaborated, and above all, we’ve respected the professionalism and resilience of their people”.
Industry analysts highlight that Eastern’s demise is part of a broader trend affecting the UK’s regional aviation market, following earlier failures such as Flybe and BMI Regional. With the loss of Eastern’s capacity, concerns rise over connectivity to rural and island communities, as well as for energy sector workers who depend on reliable links to Aberdeen and other key hubs.
In the wake of the collapse, rail operators including LNER, ScotRail, TransPennine Express, and Northern Railway are offering free standard class travel to Eastern Airways passengers and staff on routes connecting affected cities, providing an important but temporary lifeline.
Passengers who booked directly with Eastern Airways using credit or debit cards are being advised to contact their card issuers to seek refunds, as the administration process could delay compensation claims
