Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK has welcomed confirmation that the direct air link between the Isle of Man and Scotland will be reinstated from Spring next year.
The Citywing service to and from Glasgow airport will operate nine return flights a week when it commences at the end of March 2014.
The move follows an agreement between the Chief Minister and the Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond MSP – announced when Mr Salmond visited the Island in July this year - that their two governments would work together to seek the restoration of the direct air connection.
Mr Bell commented:
‘The return of direct flights between the Isle of Man and Scotland is good news for both countries and an example of what can be achieved when we act in partnership with our neighbours.
‘Alex Salmond’s visit to the Island this summer was part of our ongoing programme of external relations engagement. It provided an opportunity to discuss matters of mutual interest and one of the concerns raised was the loss of our air services to Glasgow and Edinburgh.
‘We agreed that our two governments would work together to see if the air link to Scotland could be reconnected, and I am delighted that this is now happening. It is particularly pleasing that the new service will be in place in time for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow at the end of July, in which the Isle of Man team will be competing.’
The Chief Minister added:
‘The good news on Scottish flights is further welcome clarification of the Island’s air services following confirmation from British Airways that they intend to operate three return flights a day to and from London City from end of March next year.’
