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'Unforeseen staffing issues' close Kirkwall's air traffic control

Getty Images Control tower at Kirkwall Airport. The building is a pale blue-green colour with a control with large windows at the top. The tower is in a flat, grassy landscape. Getty Images
Kirkwall Airport's operator Hial said it had not been possible to plan the closures

Flights to and from Kirkwall in Orkney were cancelled after "unforeseen staffing issues" closed the airport's air traffic control.

Loganair's Edinburgh - Kirkwall return service and the Aberdeen - Kirkwall flight on Wednesday - as well as Thursday morning's Kirkwall - Aberdeen service - were affected.

Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (Hial) said that "regrettably" it had not been possible to plan the closures around the flight schedule.

Similar issues affected Inverness Airport in May.

A Hial spokesperson said: "Wherever possible, we try to plan such closures around our flight schedule but regrettably this has not been possible on this occasion, and a limited number of flights are affected.

"Passengers should contact their airline directly for the latest information on their flight. We apologise for the inconvenience this will cause."

Loganair said its services were affected by the closure of air traffic control.

The airline said it arranged welfare support and overnight accommodation for passengers affected on Wednesday.

A spokesperson said an additional Edinburgh - Kirkwall return service would depart Edinburgh at 15:30.

They added: "We apologise for the inconvenience caused, which is outwith Loganair's control, and thank our customers for their patience and understanding while we work to get them to their destinations."