Related Articles
An entire UK town has been cut off due to the airline’s collapse
Eastern Airways, a domestic UK airline operator, has cancelled all its flights, effectively cutting off an idyllic Scottish town.
The seaside town of Wick heavily relied on the flights for connectivity, and it remains unclear if other airlines are operating on the island’s airport, the Mirror reports.
The only other carrier listed on FlightRadar as serving Wick is Gama Aviation, a specialist business aviation company.
READ MORE: DWP confirms households suffering Universal Credit cut under new rules
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has warned customers of Eastern Airways to not travel to the airport, as no flights will be waiting for them when they get there.
Eastern Airways destinations included Aberdeen, Humberside, London Gatwick, Newquay, Teesside International and Wick.
For Wick residents, without an airline means that the fastest route to London is a staggeringly long 15-hour train journey.
In an online statement, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), which owns Wick John O’Groats Airport, said: “HIAL was made aware via press coverage that Eastern Airways has filed for administration.
“We will work closely with The Highland Council, which manages the Public Service Obligation (PSO) route from Wick, previously operated by Eastern Airways.
“Wick John O’Groats Airport will continue to operate as normal, and passengers should contact the airline for information regarding booked flights.”
Selina Chadha, consumer and markets director at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, added: “We urge passengers planning to fly with this airline not to go to the airport, as all Eastern Airways flights are cancelled. Eastern Airways customers should visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website for the latest information.”
Regarding the charming town, VisitScotland states: “Around three miles north of Wick, the dramatic 15th- to 17th-century ruins of Sinclair and Girnigoe castles rise steeply from a needle-thin promontory.
“There’s a scenic clifftop walk to the castle via Noss Head Lighthouse from the tiny fishing village of Staxigoe.
“Along the way, visitors can spot a wide variety of seabirds and puffins before reaching a beautiful beach at Sinclair Bay, popular for windsurfing and sand-yachting.”
Its biggest, or shall we say, smallest, claim to fame is the town boasting the world’s shortest road.
At just 6ft 9in long (2.06m), it can only hold one address – Mackay’s Hotel’s No. 1 Bistro.
The hotel’s website states: “When Alexander Sinclair returned from America in 1883 after making his fortune, he built Mackay’s Hotel on the corner of Union Street and River Street.
“The council instructed him to name the short end of the building, as they considered it a separate street. Ebenezer Place subsequently appeared in town records from 1887.”
Source link
