Gran Canaria Flights: Inverness launches first-ever direct service as Highlanders board inaugural charter
Highland travellers boarded the first-ever direct gran canaria flights from Inverness on Feb. 17, a nearly full inaugural service that launches an exclusive five-week programme and removes the need to travel to larger airports for winter sun.
Gran Canaria Flights from Inverness lift off at 2: 47 p. m.
A local reporter visited Inverness Airport to speak with passengers as the maiden flight departed at 2: 47 p. m. The route is part of an exclusive five-week programme operated by Highland firm Murray Travel using a plane chartered from Air Baltic. Scott Murray, Murray Travel co-founder, said the first flight was nearly full.
Passengers praise convenience and cost savings
Travellers on the inaugural service spoke of the time and money saved by flying from their doorstep. Meg, from Elgin, said, “It’s wonderful to have the direct flight. It’s so much easier than having to trek to Edinburgh. We deserve this kind of treatment. We shouldn’t have to travel to Edinburgh to get a plane in this day and age. ”
Margaret, from Inverness, was travelling with a group of five friends and said she appreciated the later start to the day: “We just got up at the normal time today and were able to do other things that you wouldn’t be able to get done if you were flying out the door at 5am for Glasgow. It would be lovely to see more direct flights from Inverness. ”
John and Anne Kirk from Nethy Bridge were on their first journey to Gran Canaria. Mr Kirk said, “It’s very quick coming through security and you always meet someone you know. It would cost you another £100 getting to Glasgow or Edinburgh, £100 for parking and then more if you were staying the night. You are probably saving £300 going from here, so it makes it easier. ”
Murray Travel and Air Baltic run the charter
The five-week series follows Murray Travel’s earlier charter flights to Lapland from Inverness at the end of last year. Scott Murray said the company had long believed in the potential of the local airport and welcomed bringing the 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. He also noted the benefit of avoiding late-night drives: “And no driving up the A9 at 2am after a long flight!”
Route years in the making and what happens next
The direct route has been nearly three years in the making. The exclusive five-week programme of charters will continue from Inverness, offering passengers repeated direct sailings to Gran Canaria over the coming weeks.
