Scotland has had air routes connecting its many inhabited islands to the mainland for a long time. In fact, the route from Kirkwall Airport (KOI) in the Orkney Islands to Inverness Airport (INV) is the longest-running commercial air route in the UK. Ferry routes, of course, are also an option, but there is still an essential need for air links - for several good reasons.

1 Reliable connections

The Scottish government has no legal obligation to provide transport connections to the Scottish islands. However, current government policy offers support and funding for this operation. Supplying reliable connections helps to maintain the ability and appeal for people to live, work, and visit. While ferry and air services are both essential, the latter has proved particularly critical in recent years, with severe shortcomings regarding ferries.

The leading ferry operator in Scotland, Caledonian MacBrayne, has had boats taken out of service for maintenance and delays in the delivery of new vessels, meaning it cannot operate as often as usual. Thus, an air alternative is vital.

2 Speed and flexibility

Boat travel may be seen as relaxing and convenient in some ways, but air travel is, of course, much quicker. The journey from Inverness to Stornoway (on the Outer Hebrides) takes around five hours by car and ferry, compared to just 45 minutes by air. Loganair flies this route multiple times daily. Service to the Shetland Islands is even more significant, as the trek takes more than 12 hours by ferry from Aberdeen, compared to just over an hour by flight.

Find Loganair flights to the Shetland Islands here

Photo:  Ronnie Robertson via Wikimedia

On many routes, including those just discussed, many flight times and options are available. The ferries tend to leave from one or two key ports, whereas flights are scheduled from several cities. This is relevant for locals on the islands as well as visitors. Being able to travel off the islands quickly and easily can make a big quality-of-life difference for residents and potentially encourage more to settle there.

3 Efficiency and cost

We won't get into an analysis of whether ferry or air travel is more environmentally friendly. However, there are definite advantages to the flexibility air travel can offer with multiple flights and lower-capacity aircraft.

Craig Graham Captures / Shutterstock

Especially off-peak, when travel volumes are lower, operating a smaller aircraft will likely be more cost-effective than a large ferry. This applies to cargo transport just as much as it does to passenger services.

4 Promoting tourism

Having reliable and fast connections is also very important for tourism. Many islands are popular tourist destinations, and air links are more convenient for most. In many cases, ferry connections with a car are complicated. And even with a car, the total ferry crossing costs can be very high. Flights from the main airports are more convenient, and tourists can then make tour or car hire arrangements on the islands.

Photo: Dani Ber/Shutterstock

5 Economic development

A final important point to consider is the impact on the economic development and opportunities for the islands. Like any location, Scotland's islands are keen to attract new business and investment, and guaranteed and reliable air services will help.

This has been a quick discussion of an issue fundamental to Scotland. Air services in the highlands and islands are currently doing well in the country - we reported recently how passenger numbers are up 10% in summer 2023 and almost back to pre-pandemic levels.

Feel free to discuss the air services, options, and reasons further in the comments section below.