Papa Stour flights suspended due to waterlogged airstrip

Flights to Papa Stour have been suspended due to wet weather causing the airstrip to become waterlogged.

Shetland Islands Council said it has had to halt services until conditions improve – and it is anticipated it could be well into April before flights can be resumed, unless there is enough dry weather.

The council’s transport planning service has reworked budgets to enable an additional ferry run to be introduced on Saturdays – to give an additional return each week.

This essentially means the summer timetable for the island will be brought forward with immediate effect.

But the council said this is a temporary measure to compensate for the loss of the air service.

Michael Craigie executive manager of transport planning at SIC, said: “The airstrip on Papa Stour is constructed of mortar with high clay content, and on inspection early in January it was found to be waterlogged in parts, making it temporarily unusable for the islander aircraft.

“The surface needs to dry out before maintenance can take place. We’ve been in consultation with the community on this matter and they have been very understanding and helpful while we put in place the temporary alternative to the air service and we thank them for their patience.”