TRANSPORT MINISTER Stewart Stevenson has promised that his department will offer financial support to any other airlines who operate services from Dundee Airport.

He was responding to an appeal by Marlyn Glen, the Dundee-based MSP, to ensure “every possible assistance would be given” to maintain Dundee Airport’s bid to “establish its growing presence on the UK airport map.”

Her plea came after the grounding of flyWhoosh services from Dundee to Belfast and Birmingham last month.

Ms Glen had contacted Mr Stevenson and has received a written reply, in which the minister said, “While I have some sympathy for flyWhoosh in the sudden and unanticipated withdrawal of aircraft by White Eagle Aviation, I understand that the airline has been unable to find a replacement aircraft and will not be able to recommence the routes to Belfast and Birmingham from Dundee.

“If at all possible I am keen that the market base established by flyWhoosh on these routes is not lost and a replacement found.

“To that end, Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd, the operator of Dundee Airport, has been working proactively with other airlines to convince them of the merits of serving these routes from Dundee.

“The Scottish Government for our part will support a new operator through the residual funding from the Route Development Fund support offered to FlyWhoosh for the start-up period of the new routes/services.”

Ms Glen said, “Good air links are vital for the economy of Dundee.

“Dundee Airport is an important gateway for the development of new business connections for the city.”