Jersey routes safe, says Loganair after announcing “localised” cutbacks on some Scottish services

There will be “no impact” on Loganair’s Jersey routes following an issue “localised to Scotland” that has prompted the airline to cutback on some services in the region, it has been confirmed.

The reassurance from the Scottish carrier comes just a few days before it is set to begin flights from the island to Bordeaux, completing the launch of a quartet of new routes on its Jersey network that also includes Norwich, East Midlands and Paris.

In April, chief executive Luke Farajallah acknowledged that “some airlines are cutting back in capacity” amid the geopolitical headwinds affecting the aviation sector – including the huge rise in fuel costs triggered by the conflict in the Middle East.

At the time, he said that Loganair was in “a reasonably good position” and that “I’m certainly not raising any alarm or hitting the panic button”.

It emerged last week that the airline will be temporarily reducing services on routes linking Inverness with Stornoway, Kirkwall and Sumburgh from July 19.

With four UK airlines entering administration in the last nine months alone, the need to adapt to remain resilient has never been clearer

Loganair chief executive Luke Farajallah

The announcement cited prolonged losses on the services and increasing costs – including fuel, aircraft maintenance, airport fees and route charges – that meant that “Loganair, HIAL and Transport Scotland must find a way to sustain lifeline routes where passenger numbers are limited”.

Mr Farajallah stated that the change was “one of the hardest decisions we have had to make, set against one of the most difficult trading periods the airline industry has seen in recent years with fuel prices doubling in May alone”.

“As a privately-owned business, Loganair will always play its part in providing air services where they are most needed in Scotland, but we cannot do this alone,” he continued.

“And we cannot continue to absorb structural losses indefinitely without affecting the wider resilience of the airline and the vital services it provides.”

Mr Farajallah noted that the airline had “worked closely with HIAL, Transport Scotland and other stakeholders to explore every available option”.

“The shortfall in the proposal put forward was disappointing, but we remain ready and willing to return to the previous level of flying if a sustainable funding solution can be agreed.”

Mr Farajallah also went on to highlight that “we do not take these decisions lightly”.

The issue is localised to Scotland and there is no impact on Jersey routes

Loganair statement

“These routes matter to us and to the communities they serve, but we must balance that commitment with the long-term sustainability of Loganair and the wider network those communities also rely on,” he added.

“With four UK airlines entering administration in the last nine months alone, the need to adapt to remain resilient has never been clearer.

“All other routes across the Scottish Highlands and Islands remain unchanged, and we remain focused on protecting essential connectivity while working constructively on a sustainable long-term solution.”

Asked if the airline’s Jersey services could be at risk, a Loganair spokesperson told Express that: “The issue is localised to Scotland and there is no impact on Jersey routes.”