Highland Council Launches Tender for Wick-Aberdeen-Edinburgh Flights Following Eastern Airways Collapse – Regional Air Services Expected by Late 2026!

Published on December 18, 2025

In a significant step toward restoring regional air connectivity to Scotland’s far north, Highland Council has launched an Invitation to Tender seeking operators for subsidised flights connecting Wick John O’Groats Airport to both Aberdeen and Edinburgh. This initiative follows the sudden collapse of Eastern Airways, which entered administration in November 2025, leaving the Highlands without its vital lifeline air service.

The tender process, which seeks a two-year contract with an optional two-year extension, represents Highland Council’s commitment to not just restoring, but expanding air services to Caithness and the wider North Highlands region. If successful, these flights could resume operations as early as late 2026, providing renewed access to remote destinations in northern Scotland for both local residents and tourists.

This development underscores Scotland’s ongoing efforts to enhance regional tourism infrastructure and support local economies through improved transport connectivity, making the Scottish Highlands more accessible to visitors from across the UK and beyond.

The Current Situation: Eastern Airways Collapse and Service Disruption

The disruption to Wick’s air connectivity began when Eastern Airways, which had operated the Wick-Aberdeen Public Service Obligation (PSO) route since April 2022, entered administration on November 6-7, 2025. All flights had been suspended since late October, leaving the community without scheduled air services.

Highland Council immediately initiated an emergency procurement process to secure a replacement operator for the existing Wick-Aberdeen service, while simultaneously launching the broader tender for future services. According to Highland Council, a contract is expected to be awarded by March 31, 2026, subject to funding approval, with services potentially starting up to six months after that date.

The tender specification is particularly ambitious, seeking operators to provide services from Wick to both Aberdeen and Edinburgh—the latter representing a significant expansion of connectivity that would be new for the region under a PSO contract.

What This Means for Highland Tourism

When operational, these restored and expanded air links promise to be transformative for Highland tourism. The region, known for iconic attractions like the North Coast 500 scenic route, John o’ Groats, and the stunning Caithness coastline, has long faced accessibility challenges that deterred some potential visitors.

Direct flights to Aberdeen and Edinburgh—two of Scotland’s major cities—would dramatically reduce travel times for tourists wanting to explore the Highlands’ rugged beauty. Rather than facing lengthy road journeys from central Scotland, visitors could reach Wick within an hour, opening up possibilities for shorter breaks and spontaneous trips to the region.

The North Coast 500, Scotland’s answer to Route 66, has become increasingly popular since its launch in 2015. This 516-mile scenic route encompasses coastal scenery, historic castles, and remote villages, attracting thousands of visitors annually. Improved air access could further boost this tourism success story.

For tourism-dependent businesses in Wick, Thurso, and surrounding areas—including accommodation providers, tour operators, restaurants, and shops—restored air connectivity represents a crucial lifeline. Many of these businesses have struggled since the loss of scheduled flights.

The Significance of Regional Connectivity Post-Pandemic

The initiative aligns with Scotland’s broader strategy to support regional economies through Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts—subsidized services designed to maintain vital transport links to remote areas. The current PSO model for Wick involves Highland Council contributing £300,000 annually, while the Scottish Government commits £1 million.

Highland Council Leader Councillor Raymond Bremner, who chairs the Wick John O’Groats Airport Consultative Committee, emphasized the importance of expansion: “I have long made the case that not just continuation, but expansion of these services is needed to best serve people living and working in the North Highlands. I am also keenly aware of the local demand for restored air connectivity to Edinburgh.”

However, funding beyond March 2026 remains under negotiation with the Scottish Government, adding an element of uncertainty to long-term planning.

Impact on Local Communities and Business Travelers

The restored air services will benefit multiple constituencies:

For Tourists: Reduced travel times mean visitors can maximize their time exploring Highland attractions rather than spending hours on the road. Day trips from Edinburgh or Aberdeen to the far north would become feasible, potentially attracting weekend visitors and increasing overall tourist numbers.

For Local Residents: Residents of Caithness and surrounding areas depend on air connectivity for access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities in Aberdeen and Edinburgh. The loss of flights has created significant hardship for many families.

For Business: The region hosts major industries including nuclear decommissioning at Dounreay, renewable energy projects, and fishing operations. Business travelers require reliable air connectivity for meetings, conferences, and operational needs. Restored flights would support economic development and job retention.

What to See and Do in the Highlands

For those planning to visit once flights resume, the Highlands offer extraordinary experiences:

Key Attractions:

• The North Coast 500: This iconic 516-mile circular route from Inverness showcases Scotland’s dramatic coastal scenery, mountains, and historic sites
• John o’ Groats: The legendary landmark at mainland Britain’s northeastern tip, offering coastal walks and ferry connections to Orkney
• Dunnet Head: The true northernmost point of mainland Britain, with spectacular cliffs and lighthouse
• Castle of Mey: The former summer residence of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, set in beautiful grounds
• Dunrobin Castle: An impressive stately home with formal gardens overlooking the sea
• Smoo Cave: A dramatic sea cave near Durness with guided boat tours available

Accommodation Options:

• The Norseman Hotel, Wick: Comfortable rooms in the heart of town, ideal for exploring Caithness
• The Pentland Hotel, Thurso: Well-positioned for touring the north coast
• The Granary Lodge: A luxury B&B in the grounds of Castle of Mey
• The Dornoch Castle Hotel: Historic charm in the picturesque golfing village of Dornoch

Outdoor Activities:

• Wildlife Watching: Spot seals, otters, dolphins, and golden eagles throughout the region
• Hiking: Numerous trails through mountains, moorland, and coastal areas
• Surfing: The north coast offers excellent surfing conditions at Thurso and other spots
• Whisky Distilleries: Visit Wolfburn Distillery (est. 1821) and others for tours and tastings

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

While the tender process represents significant progress, several factors will determine the success of restored air services:

Funding Certainty: Negotiations with the Scottish Government for funding beyond April 2026 are ongoing. Without long-term financial commitment, potential operators may be hesitant to invest.

Emergency Procurement: Highland Council continues parallel work on emergency procurement to minimize service gaps between the current situation and the new contract start date.

Edinburgh Service: The inclusion of Edinburgh in the tender specification is ambitious and responds to local demand, but it remains to be seen whether operators will find both routes commercially viable within the PSO subsidy structure.

Sustainable Tourism: As air connectivity improves, Highland communities will need to balance increased visitor numbers with infrastructure capacity and environmental considerations. The North Coast 500’s popularity has already raised concerns about road congestion, parking, and environmental impact in some areas.

Looking further ahead, there may be opportunities to expand connectivity beyond Aberdeen and Edinburgh, potentially including seasonal services to other UK cities or international destinations, though this would likely require additional investment and market development.

A Turning Point for Highland Connectivity

The launch of Highland Council’s tender for Wick air services marks a crucial moment for the North Highlands. While flights are not expected to resume immediately—with services potentially starting in late 2026 at the earliest—the process represents a committed effort to restore and enhance vital regional connectivity.

For local communities, restored air links will reconnect them with essential services and opportunities. For tourists, improved access will make it easier than ever to discover the wild beauty and cultural heritage of Scotland’s far north. For businesses, reliable air connectivity will support economic development and growth.

The success of this initiative will depend on securing appropriate funding, attracting capable operators, and ensuring services meet the needs of all stakeholders. If these challenges can be overcome, Wick John O’Groats Airport could play an increasingly important role in Scotland’s regional transport network and tourism economy.

The Scottish Highlands await—and with improved connectivity on the horizon, these hidden gems may soon be more discoverable than ever before.

Important Update: Services are expected to begin by late 2026, subject to successful tender outcomes and funding confirmation. Interested parties should monitor Highland Council announcements for the latest developments.