Surcharges for flights under 200 miles – typically to the Scottish islands or Isle of Man – will fall from £3.95 to £1.95, while the higher rate, for routes of more than 300 miles, will increase to £5.95. Routes between these two distances will remain at £3.95.

Loganair introduced surcharging in March following the rise in oil prices. It said the cut in the basic rate was in line with its original pledge to lower surcharges when the price of crude oil fell below $110 per barrel for more than six consecutive weeks.

However, it added: “The cost increase across the industry is still significant, especially in view of the deteriorating US dollar exchange rate against UK sterling, given that oil is globally traded in US dollars. As such, the airline has now set out differentiated surcharges for two groups of longer routes where travel is more than 200 miles.”  
  
Loganair said the new zonal structure would ensure customers were not unfairly penalised.
 
Loganair chief executive Jonathan Hinkles said: “We are happy to announce that on our key island and local community flying, we’re today halving the fuel surcharge for new bookings – as we promised we would do back when Brent Crude prices remained under $110 for six consecutive weeks.
 
“However, fuel prices remain highly volatile, and a combination of US dollar exchange rates and refinery costs means that we’re paying more for fuel today than we were in March.  

“Therefore, it’s only right that we address the balance and, as we go into the winter, it is essential that we adjust charges to reflect these costs. We are continuously monitoring the situation and will keep customers completely updated with any changes.”