HIGHLANDS AND Islands airports have been closed to all non-essential flights.

To help slow the spread of Coronavirus, only lifeline services will continue to take place to the 11 airports based in the Scottish Highlands, the Northern Isles and the Western Isles.

Orkney and Shetland politicians have welcomed the news: “In recent days many local people have contacted me to voice their concern that flights remained open to everyone including tourists, long after ferry services moved to only allow essential travel," said Orkney's Alistair Carmichael MP. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced on March 22 that ferry services should only be used by islanders or for essential supplies.

Mr Carmichael continued: “It is important that islanders are able to return home if they have been away but this move will help protect not just HIAL staff in our airports but people across the isles. Lifeline services must be the priority.”

Shetland's Beatrice Wishart MSP added: “This is the right decision. The highest priority right now is protecting each other, both island residents and HIAL staff. Lifeline services such as patient transfers and mail deliveries must continue with minimum disruption. These services are all the more essential at this exceptional time.”