A small coastal town in the north of the UK boasts a unique claim to fame – it’s home to the world’s shortest street. Now the street and town have been cut off by the collapse of Eastern Airways
Commercial flights to one of the most remote airports in the country have been halted, effectively stranding the aviation hub.
UK domestic carrier Eastern Airways has suspended operations and cancelled all of its flights, delivering a major blow to the charming Scottish seaside town of Wick, which relied heavily on the airline for connectivity.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority said customers of the airline, which operated regional routes from airports across the UK, are being urged not to travel to the airport, as flights will no longer be operating.
According to its website, destinations served by Eastern Airways included Aberdeen, Humberside, London Gatwick, Newquay, Teesside International and Wick. All of those airports continue to be served by other airlines—except Wick John O’Groats, which sits at the northernmost tip of mainland UK.
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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.
That likely means the remote airport—and the town beside it—are effectively cut off by air, a significant setback given the 15-hour train journey required to reach London from Wick, and the eight-hour trip to Glasgow.
It’s also a loss for visitors to the small town, a charming coastal spot brimming with dramatic scenery and maritime heritage.
Nestled in Caithness, Wick is an ancient Viking stronghold. Once Europe’s busiest herring harbour, this diminutive coastal community now attracts visitors from around the globe for its striking fortress ruins, rugged 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 needle-thin promontory,” proclaims VisitScotland, the region’s official tourism organisation.
“There’s a scenic 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 beach at Sinclair Bay, popular for windsurfing and sand-yachting.”
Holidaymakers seeking something truly unique often visit Ebenezer Place, officially recognised as the world’s shortest street.
Measuring just 6ft 9in long (2.06m), the road is so small it holds only one address—Mackay’s Hotel’s No. 1 Bistro.
Beautifully located beside the Wick River, the restaurant serves dishes made with local produce, along with afternoon tea, cocktail masterclasses, and, naturally, 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 on 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 information.”