Here’s the latest I can share based on public updates up to late 2025:
Direct answer
- Wick John O’Groats Airport continues to receive public sector support and is aiming to sustain the Wick-Aberdeen PSO (Public Service Obligation) service into 2025/26, with ongoing discussions about future service delivery and potential operator arrangements.[2][4]
What’s driving the latest developments
- The Highland Council and Transport Scotland have been pursuing a resilient PSO arrangement for Wick to Aberdeen, emphasizing continued scheduled air services and regional connectivity for Caithness and the North Highlands.[3][2]
- There have been official updates on PSO procurement and continuity planning, including ongoing funding discussions and tender processes to secure an operator if the existing service arrangement changes or ends.[4][5]
Recent context and notable items
- Eastern Airways faced financial difficulties in 2025, prompting review of the Wick Aberdeen PSO service and prompting authorities to outline contingency steps and communications for affected passengers.[1][5]
- Local authorities produced a report in 2025 outlining opportunities for sustainable growth around Wick, underscoring the airport’s role in regional development and the importance of maintaining a scheduled service through 2025/26.[2]
Illustrative snapshot
- The airport is not a stand-alone facility; its viability is tied to PSO-funded routes and government/municipal support, with ongoing coordination among HIAL (Highland and Islands Airports Limited), the Highland Council, and Transport Scotland.[5][4]
If you’d like, I can:
- Pull the very latest official statements or press releases from HIAL, Highland Council, and Transport Scotland.
- Create a brief update note summarizing dates, funding amounts, and current operator status, with a simple timeline graphic.
- Check for any changes to the Wick-Aberdeen PSO contract or announced tender rounds and provide citations.
Would you like me to fetch and compile the newest official notices or assemble a timeline?
Sources
Highland and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) is a public corporation wholly owned by the Scottish Ministers. The company operates and manages 11 Airports at Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Dundee, Islay, Inverness, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Sumburgh, Tiree and Wick John O’Groats.
www.hial.co.ukHighland and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) is a public corporation wholly owned by the Scottish Ministers. The company operates and manages 11 Airports at Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Dundee, Islay, Inverness, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Sumburgh, Tiree and Wick. HIAL’s airports are vital to the social and economic welfare of the areas they serve, but are loss making, and are supported by subsidies from the Scottish Government in accordance with Section 34 of the Civil Aviation Act 1982.
www.hial.co.ukReport highlights future sustainable opportunities for Wick John O’Groats Airport services
www.highland.gov.ukwock
www.hial.co.ukwick john o'groats airport feature in aoa magazine
www.hial.co.ukYear-round air link between Caithness and Aberdeen secured in new deal with Eastern Airways
www.inkl.comWick John O'Groats Airport Information
www.hial.co.uk