BRITISH Airways is to launch a new year-round service connecting Inverness and London.
The daily flights between the Highland capital and Heathrow will begin on May 3 next year.
BA previously operated flights between the two airports but suspended the services in 1997.
Denize Mcgregor, BA’s head of UK customer service and operations, said: “British Airways’ daily flights will benefit the Inverness economy by linking the business community of the city and its environs with our global network of more than 130 destinations, and help boost the area’s vital in-bound tourism sector by bringing even more visitors to this beautiful and historic city, with its unique environment, scenery and culture.”
The airline, which already operates a number of daily services between Scotland and London’s airports, said it will use an Airbus A319 with up to 143 seats on the new route.
Inglis Lyon, managing director of Inverness Airport operator HIAL, said the announcement was a “significant achievement” for the airport.
He said: “Through our efforts, and with the support of our partners, Inverness Airport has done what few other regional airports have achieved in recent years, attracting one of the world’s leading airlines and securing access to the UK’s hub airport at the same time.
“No other UK airport offers more worldwide connections than Heathrow and no other UK airline offers more international destinations than British Airways. The potential benefits for business and inbound tourism are enormous.”
Transport minister Derek Mackay added: “This is particularly important for Scottish businesses looking for improved access to global markets.
“It’s also a major boost for local tourism, making it even easier for visitors to get a taste of the fantastic experiences on offer in the Highlands.”
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