Flybe pull out of Shetland but Orkney services could be improved

Following the airline announcing it was pulling out of operating on Shetland routes in the New Year, a move which raised both questions and concerns from Orkney, Flybe have given assurance that it will continue to serve Orkney.

The airline said yesterday, Thursday, that following the completion of a detailed review into the Sumburgh services operated on behalf of Flybe by Eastern Airways, a joint decision “has regretfully been made to end all flights to Shetland with effect from 8th January 2018.”

Flybe will offer all customers with existing bookings for travel after this date the option of a full refund, or alternatively being re-booked on alternate flights with Loganair as close to their original timings as possible, at no additional cost.

All customers affected by the changes will be contacted direct by Flybe from Monday, and their requested changes actioned in order of date of travel.

Commenting on the issue, Ronnie Matheson, Flybe interim chief commercial officer, said yesterday: “Flybe can confirm that the announcement today is limited to its Shetland services only. We are currently working on some positive changes to improve the services to Orkney and Stornoway that will include basing aircraft on the Islands overnight to allow early southbound flights. We’ll be announcing details in the coming days/weeks.”