SPAA pushes to keep Inverness-Gatwick
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The Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association’s (SPAA) president has voiced concern over the future of flights between Inverness and Gatwick following Flybe’s slot sale to easyJet.
Kevin Thom hailed the route as an important route for business and for connecting to other flights and hoped easyJet would continue to operate the route’s current frequency when the slots are transferred over next year.
SPAA is in regular discussions with Flybe, easyJet, Gatwick Airport and governments to ensure the route stays, even if frequencies are not added.
“The possibility of the loss of our vital Inverness to Gatwick service is serious enough, but the implications for travellers connecting worldwide from the Scottish Highlands & Islands are just as serious – if not more so. Our members work with Easyjet and we are very keen to see that carrier continuing to offer a comprehensive service between Gatwick and Inverness in Flybe’s absence, but of course that would not resolve the issue of lost airline alliance and code share benefits currently enjoyed by passenger,” said Thom.
“The acceptance of Inverness to Gatwick as a ‘lifeline’ route is already enshrined in its exclusion, along with other services from the Highlands & Islands, from traveller APD charges. We very much hope a solution to the high costs of operation – perhaps in the form of a reduction in LGW’s charges, or financial intervention by the Government – can be found,” he added.
