Commercial flights to one of the most remote airports in the country have come to a halt, effectively stranding the aviation hub.

UK domestic carrier Eastern Airways has suspended operations, and all of its flights have been cancelled. Customers of the airline, which operated regional routes from airports across the UK, are being urged not to travel to the airport, as no flights will be operating, according to the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Destinations previously served by Eastern Airways included Aberdeen, Humberside, London Gatwick, Newquay, Teesside International and Wick, according to its website. Most of those airports are still served by other airlines — except Wick John O’Groats, which sits at the very top of mainland UK.

The only other carrier listed on FlightRadar as serving Wick is Gama Aviation, a specialist business aviation company. Wick Airport declined to tell the Mirror whether any other airlines were currently operating there. This likely means the remote airport — and the nearby town — are effectively cut off by air, a significant setback given the 15-hour train journey from Wick to London, or eight hours to Glasgow.

It’s also a real loss for visitors to the small town — a charming seaside destination known for its stunning scenery and maritime heritage. Nestled within Caithness, Wick is an ancient Viking stronghold. Once Europe’s busiest herring harbour, this small coastal community now attracts visitors from around the world for its dramatic fortress ruins, jagged coastline, and abundant wildlife.

“Around three miles north of Wick, the dramatic 15th- to 17th-century ruins of Sinclair and Girnigoe Castles rise steeply from a narrow promontory,” proclaims VisitScotland, the region’s official tourism organisation. “There’s a lovely clifftop walk to the castle via Noss Head Lighthouse from the tiny fishing village of Staxigoe. Along the way, visitors can spot a wide variety of seabirds and puffins, before reaching a beautiful scenic beach at Sinclair Bay — popular for windsurfing and sand-yachting.”

Holidaymakers seeking something truly unique can visit Ebenezer Place, the world’s shortest street. Measuring just six feet, nine inches long (2.06m), it’s so tiny it contains only one address: Mackay’s Hotel’s No. 1 Bistro.

Beautifully located beside the Wick River, the restaurant serves locally sourced dishes, afternoon tea, cocktail masterclasses — and, of course, whisky. In 2006, the street — maintained by Highland Council as the road authority — earned a Guinness World Record as the shortest street in the world.

“When Alexander Sinclair returned from America in 1883 after making his fortune, he built Mackay’s Hotel at the corner of Union Street and River Street,” the hotel’s website explains. “The council instructed him to name the short end of the building, as they considered it a separate street. Ebenezer Place subsequently appeared in town records from 1887.”

In an online statement, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), which owns Wick John O’Groats Airport, said: “HIAL was made aware via press coverage that Eastern Airways has filed for administration. We will work closely with The Highland Council, which manages the Public Service Obligation (PSO) route from Wick, previously operated by Eastern Airways. Wick John O’Groats Airport will continue to operate as normal, and passengers should contact the airline for information regarding booked flights.”

Eastern Airways customers are being urged to make alternative travel arrangements via other airlines, rail, or coach operators. On Monday morning, Eastern Airways (UK) Ltd filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator at the Insolvency and Companies Court, part of the High Court.

Selina Chadha, consumer and markets director at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “We urge passengers planning to fly with this airline not to go to the airport, as all Eastern Airways flights are cancelled. Eastern Airways customers should visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website for the latest updates.”