DIRECT flights between Shetland and Bergen are resuming this weekend as the service takes off for the first time since before the Covid pandemic.
The Sumburgh-Bergen Loganair service, which will run twice a week, will resume from tomorrow (Saturday).
It is a seasonal offering in the summer months, so the last time the flights ran was back in 2019.
Ambassador of Norway to the UK Wegger Chr. StrømmenAmbassador of Norway to the UK Wegger Chr. Strømmen told Shetland News that it was “brilliant news”.
“I’m sure it will strengthen business ties and it will bring lots of Norwegians to Shetland,” he said.
It is the only scheduled international connection which runs via Sumburgh Airport.
Loganair said customers from Shetland who also wish to venture further and explore northern Norway will have the opportunity to connect via Loganair’s codeshare partnership with the country’s regional airline Widerøe.
Flights to these destinations can be booked online. Fares are ADS eligible and include 15kg hold luggage allowance, further discounts for children aged 11 and under are available.
Loganair’s chief commercial officer Kay Ryan said: “It’s encouraging to see European travel strengthen over spring and into summer, supporting our recommencement of the Sumburgh – Bergen route as we continue to build back our network.
“This is a welcomed boost for international tourism to Shetland but also for Northern Norway through our direct service and further codeshare agreement with Widerøe.”
Meanwhile Ambassador Strømmen said for Norwegians visiting Shetland is a “bit like coming home, on different territory”.
“We all have a kind of image of Shetland, not only because of the war [and the Shetland Bus operation]…but you are next to us out there, and you live in circumstances which resemble ours, particularly our west coast.”
Strømmen said he has “not met a disappointed Norwegian that has been to Shetland”.
“We don’t expect the Spanish weather when we come to Shetland,” he laughed.
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