Highland passengers have been delighted to be making use of the first-ever direct flight between Inverness and Gran Canaria at present (February 17).
The unique 5 week programme of flights is being operated by Highland agency, Murray Travel, which has chartered the aircraft from airline Air Baltic.
The first flight was practically full in accordance to Scott Murray, Murray Travel co-founder.
The Gran Canaria route follows on from the success the firm had at the finish of final yr, when it put on numerous 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, mentioned: “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 additionally travelling to catch some winter sun with a bunch of 5 pals.
“It’s so stress free,” she mentioned.
“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 have been on their first journey to Gran Canaria.
Mr Kirk mentioned: “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.”
The direct flight route has been practically three years in the making.
Mr Murray mentioned: “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.
“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!”
