Locals jet off for some winter sun on board the first-ever direct flight from Inverness to Gran Canaria
Scott and Sarah Murray, co-founders of Murray Travel are delighted to offer the direct flights to Gran Canaria from Inverness.
Highland passengers were delighted to be making use of the first-ever direct flight between Inverness and Gran Canaria today (February 17).
The exclusive five week programme of flights is being operated by Highland firm, Murray Travel, which has chartered the plane from airline Air Baltic.
The first flight was nearly full according to Scott Murray, Murray Travel co-founder.
The Gran Canaria route follows on from the success the company had at the end of last year, when it put on a number of chartered flights to Lapland from Inverness Airport.
The Inverness Courier visited Inverness Airport to chat with travellers embarking on the maiden journey to the Canary Islands, which departed at 2.47pm.
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 also travelling to catch some winter sun with a group of five friends.
“It’s so stress free,” she said.
“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.
John and Anne Kirk waving goodbye as they set off on holiday.
“You are probably saving £300 going from here, so it makes it easier.”
The direct flight route has been nearly three years in the making.
Mr Murray said: “As a Highland business, we’ve always believed in the potential of our local airport, and we’re delighted to finally bring this project to life.
The airline is Air Baltic.
“Gran Canaria is a hugely popular destination, and now Highland travellers can fly direct from their doorstep – no long layovers or stressful connections needed. And no driving up the A9 at 2am after a long flight!”
Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.
