Heathrow cancelled

Thursday 23 January 2020

The Flybe route to Heathrow will not be continuing into the summer season, it has been confirmed.

Deputy Charles Parkinson, the President of Economic Development, had discussions with the CEO of Connect Airways - Flybe's new name - Mark Anderson, today.

While the airline confirmed its commitment to the island, it also said the Heathrow route wouldn't be continuing. 

"Our discussions with Mark and members of his senior management team were positive and productive, during which Mark reiterated Flybe’s commitment to Guernsey and to the continuation of their Birmingham and Exeter triangular services for the future," Deputy Parkinson said.

The Heathrow slots were being returned to the slot owner and no other slots were available to continue the Guernsey service in to Summer 2020. The slots were only even given to Guernsey because of a subsidy the States agreed to pay to the airline in a mix of cash and landing fee reductions.

It was agreed between Mr Anderson and Deputy Parkinson that work would be done to secure possible slots for the winter 2020/2021 season. 

Deputy Parkinson added: "While it is very disappointing that we will not be able to continue the Heathrow service into the Summer season, we're very pleased that Flybe did confirm during our discussions that, from the beginning of May, they will fill the gap and operate the London Southend route following the announcement by Blue Islands that they will be suspending the service from 27th January. Seats will go on sale shortly. We will of course continue our dialogue and work on other potential new route opportunities with Mark and his team." 

Pictured top: Flybe were subsidised to run the route by Economic Development.