Gran Canaria Flights Bring First-Ever Direct Service From Inverness
Highland passengers boarded the first-ever gran canaria flights from Inverness on February 17, a milestone that landed a nearly full inaugural service at 2. 47pm and promises a five week programme operated by Murray Travel with a charter from Air Baltic.
Gran Canaria Flights: Inverness maiden flight departs at 2. 47pm
The maiden service departed at 2. 47pm on February 17 and was nearly full, Scott Murray, Murray Travel co-founder, said. Passengers arriving at Inverness Airport expressed delight at being able to fly direct to Gran Canaria without travelling to larger hubs.
Operator Murray Travel chartered the plane from Air Baltic for five-week programme
The exclusive five week programme is being run by Highland firm Murray Travel, which chartered the aircraft from Air Baltic. The Gran Canaria route follows Murray Travel’s end-of-last-year charters to Lapland from Inverness Airport, a run the company described as successful.
Passengers praise convenience, cite savings and avoided early starts
Meg, from Elgin, said it was “wonderful to have the direct flight” and that it was “so much easier than having to trek to Edinburgh. ” Margaret, from Inverness, travelled with a group of five friends and said the local departure let them get up “at the normal time” instead of catching an early flight out of Glasgow at 5am.
John and Anne Kirk from Nethy Bridge were making their first journey to Gran Canaria. Mr Kirk said security was “very quick” and that passengers often meet someone they know. He outlined the cost difference, saying it would cost another £100 to get to Glasgow or Edinburgh, £100 for parking and additional expenses for an overnight stay, and estimated “you are probably saving £300 going from here. ”
Route was nearly three years in the making after Lapland charters
The direct flight route has been nearly three years in the making, Scott Murray said, and the Gran Canaria option builds on the company’s previous charter work. Murray said the firm had always believed in the potential of the local airport and was “delighted to finally bring this project to life. ”
He added that Gran Canaria is a hugely popular destination and that Highland travellers can now fly direct “from their doorstep - no long layovers or stressful connections needed. And no driving up the A9 at 2am after a long flight!”
Local reporting and what comes next
A local newspaper, the Inverness Courier, visited Inverness Airport to speak with travellers embarking on the maiden journey, capturing reactions at departure on February 17. It is unclear in the provided context when the next flight in the five week programme is scheduled.
