BREXIT has impacted the performance and safety of “lifeline” aviation services on Scotland’s west coast, transport minister Jenny Gilruth has warned.
In a letter to the UK Government, Gilruth has urged ministers to address the issue after key flights to and from Cambeltown, Tiree and Barra have deteriorated.
The UK Government’s withdrawal from the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) has been blamed for the decline.
The European service helped enable the safe operation of flights in challenging conditions where they could not operate previously due to poor visibility caused by the region’s weather conditions.
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Gilruth said: “These lifeline air services provide a vital link for some of our most remote communities on the west coast, so it’s hugely frustrating that their performance is being impacted as a direct result of Brexit.
“This issue has been raised with me during my meetings with local representatives and I’ve also met with Loganair, who told me the removal of access to EGNOS has led to a doubling of cancellations at our two worst affected airports, Tiree and Barra.
“Safety cannot be compromised, so even though decisions to cancel flights are frustrating, it’s the right thing to do.
“We would have greater safety, confidence and reliability if Scotland and the UK retained access to this system.
“If the UK Government won’t reconsider its position on this matter, they need to outline what action they are planning to address the issue – noting the clear negative impact it is having on our island communities.”
Na h-Eileanan an Iar MP Alasdair Allan said: "These flights are vital for people in our Island and other rural communities but it would seem that coming to a negotiation to maintain them was not worthwhile to the Westminster government.
"Despite the frustration these increased cancellations will cause my constituents, HIAL is making the right call – safety cannot be compromised. The blame for this situation lands squarely with Westminster, the Tories and Brexit.
"With the damaging consequences of the Tories’ shambolic Brexit obsession growing every day, giving the people of Scotland the chance to reap the benefits of a future as an independent, European nation is more vital than ever."
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