Nestled away in a remote corner of northern Scotland, Wick is a picturesque coastal town.
With peaceful clifftop walks and various species of seabirds in the area, it’s a perfect spot to appreciate the wildlife and natural beauty.
Wick attracts hordes of tourists each year who visit the area to watch birds, hike and enjoy picnics.
Sinclair Bay is also a popular choice for water sports including windsurfing and sand-yachting.
The local hub, Wick John O’Groats Airport, provides vital transport for tourism and locals due to its connections to Aberdeen and Edinburgh airports.
And it’s not oil and gas importing, just oil and gas flights
However Eastern Airways, which was based at the hub, has axed all flights to the remote location – with its final flight landing on Sunday.
The cancellation means the town and airport has no commercial flights anymore – in a huge blow to the local tourism industry.
Many hotels and restaurants in the area rely on tourism and the limited travel options have reportedly left locals concerned.
Nestled away in a remote corner of northern Scotland, Wick is a picturesque coastal town
It is understood that Wick John O’Groats will still be operational, with non-commercial journeys – such as ambulance services and oil and gas flights – remaining ongoing.
The news comes as Eastern Airways filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator and suspended all operations.
The regional airline, which operated flights from six UK airports, has cancelled all its flights, and passengers who had booked with Eastern have been told not to travel to airports.
A statement from the Civil Aviation Authority reads: ‘Eastern Airways, which operated regional services from airports across the United Kingdom, has suspended operations.
‘All Eastern Airways operated flights are now cancelled. Therefore, please do not go to the airport as flights will not be operating.
‘Eastern Airways customers are therefore urged to make their own alternative travel arrangements via other airlines, rail or coach operators.’
Eastern Airways launched in 1997 and serves approximately 1.3 million passengers each year.
Other airports that Eastern Airways serviced have additional airlines providing flights, unlike Wick’s local hub.
However Eastern Airways, which was based at local hub, Wick John O’Groats Airport, has suspended the last flight from the remote location
Eastern Airways is also the top provider of charter flights for sports teams in Europe.
This includes Premier League and Championship football teams, Rugby Union teams and Super League teams.
Eastern Airways is fighting to stay afloat after it sought court protection from creditors.
The airline employed around 250 people and generated annual revenues of £60million in 2024.
The Daily Mail has approached Eastern Airways for comment.
