Loganair, the sole commercial carrier at Dundee Airport, has announced it will cease all operations from the Scottish airport in October, including its London Heathrow route. The move ends a 63-year relationship that began with the airline's first scheduled flight from Dundee in 1963. Unless another airline begins service, Dundee Airport will be left with only private flights, casting doubt on its long-term viability.
Route Cancellation and Financial Pressures
The announcement follows Loganair's earlier decision to terminate the Dundee to London Heathrow service on 23 October. This route, which operates twice daily on weekdays and once on Sundays, is a public service obligation (PSO) route, meaning it has received financial support from the local authority and the Scottish and UK governments to maintain the air link.
Loganair cited the route as 'financially unsustainable' and is assisting affected Dundee-based staff in finding alternative roles within its network. Passengers with bookings will be offered refunds or alternative airport options. The airline, which celebrated its 300,000th passenger in May 2025, operates over 60,000 flights annually across the UK and France.
Impact on Dundee Airport Operations
Dundee Airport, owned by Dundee City Council and operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), currently runs only two other Loganair routes—to Kirkwall and Sumburgh—seasonally twice a week. HIAL has begun consulting staff on reducing opening hours after the Loganair flights end, as the airport's primary role was to support the PSO route.
Passenger numbers at Dundee Airport have been declining: HIAL's most recent annual report shows 31,556 passengers in the 2024/25 financial year, down from 34,010 the previous year. A HIAL spokesperson said: 'The primary role of Dundee Airport is to provide safe and regulatory compliant airport operations to support the scheduled PSO route. As a result of the recent changes previously announced to the PSO service, a review of opening hours at the airport is required. Consultation with our colleagues and trade unions on any changes to opening hours is in progress.'
Political and Economic Reactions
Local politicians have voiced strong concerns. Dundee Central MP Chris Law called the loss a 'devastating blow,' stating: 'The loss of a direct and regular air service between Dundee and London is a significant setback for our city. The PSO route between Dundee and London has provided the fastest and most direct link between the cities since 2014. Not only does it place jobs and livelihoods connected to the airport at risk, it also undermines our ambitions to grow tourism, attract investment and drive economic growth.'
Law added that he has been working with Loganair, HIAL, and other London airports to explore alternatives, and will continue to seek support from the Scottish and UK governments. Labour MSP Michael Marra described the news as 'deeply concerning for Dundee.'
The PSO route has supported the Dundee-London link since 2014, funded by local councils and national governments to boost tourism and economic growth. Loganair served notice to the stakeholder group in April this year. Metro contacted Loganair for comment, but the airline declined to respond. The end of these flights leaves Dundee Airport's future uncertain, with reduced hours and no commercial carrier scheduled.
