Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

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Thursday 26 March 2026 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial commitment to meet to discuss the role of EGNOS technologies for remote airports.
  • Acknowledgment that air connectivity in the Scottish Highlands is essential, not merely desirable.
  • Officials willing to engage with stakeholders to gather evidence on the benefits of EGNOS.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Transport
Context

Since the UK lost access to EGNOS, there has been a significant increase in flight cancellations and higher ticket prices for island communities. The issue is exacerbated by occasional inability of air ambulances to land.

Question

Since we lost access to EGNOS, the number of cancellations to island communities has trebled, putting up the cost of tickets, and occasionally air ambulance flights are unable to get in. That has been the cost of coming out of EGNOS. Will the Minister meet me and his colleague to find a way of progressing this without any further delay?

Answer from Keir Mather

I would be very glad to meet the right hon. Member and our colleague. We intend to review the role that technologies such as EGNOS can play, especially for remote airports susceptible to adverse weather conditions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to a specific timeline or details of rejoining EGNOS

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Q2 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Transport Scotland
Context

Since losing access to EGNOS, island communities have faced increased flight cancellations, higher ticket prices, and potential issues with air ambulances landing.

Question

Some 40% of flight diversions from Stornoway, Benbecula and Barra airports could have been avoided if we were part of EGNOS. This has significant social and financial implications —schedules are cut, people reconsider living arrangements due to lack of connectivity. Will the Minister consider rejoining EGNOS?

Answer from Keir Mather

I am cognisant of the fact that air connectivity in the Scottish highlands is not a “nice to have” but an absolute necessity. My officials would be keen to engage with stakeholders as part of the review, obtaining evidence on EGNOS benefits.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to rejoining EGNOS or provide specifics about timelines and next steps

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Q3 Torcuil Crichton Lab Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Transport
Context

Island communities face significant social and financial implications due to flight diversions from airports in the absence of EGNOS, with 40% of diversions being avoidable.

Question

Since losing access to EGNOS, 40% of flight diversions from Stornoway, Benbecula and Barra could have been avoided. This has significant social and financial implications —schedules are cut, people reconsider living arrangements due to lack of connectivity. Will the Minister consider rejoining EGNOS?

Answer from Keir Mather

I thank my hon. Friend for his repeated advocacy on this issue. We intend to review the role that technologies such as EGNOS can play, especially for remote airports susceptible to adverse weather conditions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to rejoining EGNOS or provide specifics about timelines and next steps

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