Fly from London Heathrow to Shetland

One is a dense metropolis with a population of nine million; the other a picturesque archipelago with 23,000 residents. But, while they might be separated by 600 miles, London and Shetland are both communities brimming with opportunity.

And thanks to a new bi-weekly direct air service, whether you’re travelling for leisure or business, it has never been easier to journey between two parts of the country that are rich, vibrant and dynamic in their own contrasting ways. The flights between London Heathrow T2 and Sumburgh began in May 2023, replacing the departures from London City.

Operated by the country’s largest regional airline Loganair, the service operates on Mondays and Thursdays. Taking just over three hours, the flight briefly touches down in Dundee, but passengers are not required to leave the aircraft.

The link between Sumburgh and London Heathrow offers the perfect opportunity for Londoners seeking to trade the hustle and bustle of inner-city life for a few days breathing in the invigorating scenery and unique wildlife of the UK’s most northerly archipelago.

In addition to offering residents in the south of England the chance to escape to a destination closer to the Arctic Circle than London – without even needing to pack their passports – the link provides a quick and convenient route to the capital and beyond for islanders.

But the connection also brings benefits to the islands' thriving business community – and with proposed major offshore energy developments around Shetland, and a spaceport under development in Unst it's clear there is significant untapped commercial potential in Shetland.

To celebrate the launch of the London Heathrow - Sumburgh connection, on board the maiden flight were director of membership and events at London Chamber of Commerce, Liz Henderson, and Loganair's chief commercial officer Luke Lovegrove.

In Shetland, they met David Nicol, the managing director of NB Communication, the Lerwick-based digital marketing agency which is responsible for the Promote Shetland service.

After welcoming the flight from Heathrow, David said the new route was a welcome addition for leisure and business travellers alike.

“It’s great news for Shetland’s visitor economy and business community that regular flights connect the islands to London, and the rest of the world via Heathrow.

“Not only is Shetland perfect for a getaway in a spectacular and dramatic location, but we are also a hub of innovation and enterprise with huge potential for growth. Having such a convenient link to London is fantastic for Shetland’s thriving business community.

“Shetland’s amazing scenery, wildlife and friendly welcome are a short flight away from London, and we hope many people are enticed to find their own true north and visit the islands for leisure or business. We look forward to welcoming you.”

Discover more about Shetland's strong entrepreneurial culture and why we are keen to work with potential investors to realise new opportunities for economic growth across the islands.

Loganair’s chief commercial officer Kay Ryan said the new flight ensured it was easy for people to travel between the capital and the UK's most northerly islands.

“Shetlanders will be brought closer to the capital, which is great for both business and leisure, while Londoners and those travelling through London have access to the tranquil setting of Shetland where they can take in the incredible wildlife and picturesque views more easily than ever before.”

VisitScotland’s islands manager Steve Mathieson described the connection between Heathrow and Sumburgh, was a “strong endorsement of the ever-growing popularity of Shetland as one of the UK’s ‘must-visit’ destinations.”

“Shetland’s incredible scenery, wonderful wildlife, amazing archaeology and warm welcome will now be available to a huge market in the south who will be attracted by the directness of the new route, making the islands easier to reach than ever before.”

We have all the information you need to start planning your flights to Shetland. Visit Loganair to book your flights today.