Travellers will be able to fly direct from Stornoway to Southampton as Loganair’s summer schedule starts today (Monday 23 March), according to the airline.

Loganair says the one-stop, same-plane service from the Isle of Lewis to the south coast of England means passengers won’t need to disembark at Glasgow, making the journey easier and faster.

And from Thursday April 27, there will be occasional one-stop flights from Stornoway to Manchester Airport, terminal 3. 

Flights available from Stornoway to Southampton currently show one flight a day available on the route without a disembarkation, with the time of the journey as low as two hours 50 minutes. Other flights on the route show one connection point.

One of the most important ports in the UK for both cargo and passengers, Southampton is known to be a popular starting point for cruise holidays, with cruise companies including Cunard based there. 

Luke Lovegrove, Loganair's chief commercial officer, said: "We have been inundated with requests for an improved service into the south of the UK from Stornoway, so to be able to facilitate a one-stop connection down to Southampton is exciting. 

"We take great pride in facilitating growth in interconnectivity across the UK and by increasing our frequency on key routes like this, we can better serve our customers."

Duncan Smith, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited's (HIAL) general manager west, said: "This non-stop service is a welcome addition at Stornoway airport, particularly as Southampton is becoming increasingly important in the cruise holiday market.   

"This service will improve connectivity to and from the island and offer the community more choice when it comes to travel.   It will also provide additional options for those wishing to visit the Outer Hebrides and we expect the new service to be popular across the summer season."

Reservations can be made at www.loganair.co.uk or via travel agents.

The picture shows Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth in Southampton harbour for the Queen’s diamond jubilee in 2022.