MSP presses for more detail on disrupted flights

Loganair has insisted that flights to and from Orkney have not experienced a higher number of delays or cancellations due to technical problems over recent months.

The comments were made at a meeting of Loganair’s key users group on Monday and followed representations made by Orkney MSP Liam McArthur.

Mr McArthur said: “Following my request, Loganair has now produced figures on the number of flights affected by technical delays or cancellations.  These suggest that there has been no marked increase in the overall number, albeit there have been periods during which there were higher levels of disruption.

“Unfortunately, the figures did not indicate the length of the delays experienced.  Again the feeling among many of those at today’s meeting was that delays have been more prolonged, causing serious problems in terms of missed meetings, appointments and onward connections.

“I welcome the fact that Loganair has taken these points on board and offered to look again in more detail at the figures.  If it transpires that longer delays have been affecting the service in recent months, I would expect steps to be taken to try to address this.”