Flights Gran Canaria: Inverness Launches First-Ever Direct Service as Highlanders Board Inaugural Charter

Business of Direct Flights: Inverness Seizes an Opportunity

Inverness has finally taken the plunge into direct air travel, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to become a viable departure hub. The launch of the first-ever direct service to Gran Canaria, operated by Murray Travel, is not just about convenience; it’s a bold step towards establishing Inverness as a key player in regional travel.

The five-week programme, which kicked off on February 17 (ET), is a strategic move that reflects the growing demand for direct flights from smaller airports. The maiden flight, departing at 2:47 PM ET, drew local interest due to its promise of avoiding long transfers and added costs associated with larger hubs.

Murray Travel’s Visionary Move

Murray Travel, a Highland travel firm, has been at the forefront of this initiative. By leasing an Air Baltic plane for the exclusive short-term schedule, they’ve demonstrated their commitment to fulfilling local demands. Company leadership described the inaugural service as nearly full, suggesting that passengers were eager to take advantage of the new option.

The decision to lease rather than purchase a plane highlights Murray Travel’s pragmatic approach to market testing.

This flexible strategy allows them to gauge interest and adjust plans accordingly without long-term financial commitments. The five-week programme is seen as a trial run to understand the potential for repeat seasons, especially given Inverness Airport’s stated belief in its local appeal.

Local Reactions: A Positive Response

The reaction from local passengers has been overwhelmingly positive. One traveller from Elgin noted that a direct flight saves time and money by avoiding the need to travel to Edinburgh. Meanwhile, a group of friends based in Inverness cited the later departure time as convenient for their morning activities, which would be impossible with very early departures to other hubs.

Another couple travelling to Gran Canaria for the first time estimated significant out-of-pocket savings by departing from Inverness rather than Glasgow or Edinburgh. Their calculations highlighted that flying from the local airport could indeed be cheaper, making this new service an attractive option for budget-conscious travellers.

What We Still Don’t Know

The success of Murray Travel’s direct Flights Gran Canaria programme hinges on several unknowns. Full timetables and frequency of remaining services are yet to be determined, as is the total capacity across the programme. Ticket pricing and how many subsequent flights sell out or remain unsold will provide crucial insights into commercial viability.

The charter agreement with Air Baltic also remains undisclosed.

Whether this arrangement allows for extension or repeat seasons in future years could significantly impact Inverness’s prospects as a travel hub. Additionally, Murray Travel may evaluate load factors and customer feedback during the five-week run to decide on future scheduling.

Why It Matters

The direct Flights Gran Canaria programme alters travel calculus for Highland passengers by offering a local departure for a winter-sun destination, reducing the need for extra travel, parking, and overnight stays elsewhere. The practical benefits cited by travellers include time saved at security and shorter overall door-to-door journeys, alongside potential monetary savings when not needing to fly from larger hubs.

For Murray Travel and Inverness Airport, the initiative tests demand for point-to-point leisure charters. If the programme fills consistently, it could signal a clear path towards expanding direct routes beyond Gran Canaria in future seasons. The success of this venture will be pivotal in shaping local travel patterns and potentially influencing regional airport planning.