British Airways launches daily Heathrow to Guernsey service
- British Airways launched a new daily service between London Heathrow and Guernsey on 19 April
- The route is the only direct service from Guernsey to London Heathrow, connecting to over 200 global destinations
- The inaugural flight was operated by crew with personal connections to Guernsey, including a Guernsey-born captain
- Fares start from £96 return per person including taxes and fees, with Club Europe business class option available
- Local officials expect the service to boost business and tourism opportunities for the Channel Island
British Airways has launched a new daily service between London Heathrow and Guernsey.
The inaugural flight took off on Sunday 19 April, with the year-round service operating daily and providing connections to British Airways' global network of over 200 destinations across Europe, North America and beyond.
To mark the occasion, the first flight was operated by crew with personal connections to Guernsey, including Captain Stef Loveridge, who was born on the island, and four cabin crew members who either hail from Guernsey or have close family ties.
Passengers on the inaugural service were treated to Guernsey Gâche Mèlèe, a traditional apple dessert with deep roots in the island's heritage.
"We are delighted to celebrate the launch of British Airways' new Guernsey service today," said Neil Chernoff, Chief Planning and Strategy Officer at British Airways.
"This route is an important addition to our network, strengthening connectivity between the Channel Islands and London, and opening access to further destinations across Europe, North America and beyond. For our customers travelling from the UK to Guernsey to discover this remarkable island, this new route gives them even greater choice and convenience when travelling."
Captain Loveridge described operating the inaugural flight as particularly meaningful. "As someone who was born in Guernsey, today's flight was a really special moment," he said. "Bringing a British Airways aircraft in to land on the island was a real honour, and I'm proud to play a part in the launch of this new route and improved links between my home island and the UK."
Ross Coppolo, Managing Director of Guernsey Ports, said the launch coincides with the 22nd anniversary of the opening of the passenger terminal building.
"Guernsey Ports is delighted to welcome British Airways back to Guernsey on its inaugural daily London Heathrow service," Coppolo said. "The introduction of a new daily London Heathrow service is an exciting moment for our island's connectivity which will provide greater choice and access to British Airways' worldwide route network."
Economic Development President Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, described the service as a significant step forward for the island's transport links.
"British Airways' inaugural flight into Guernsey on this new Heathrow route is another significant step in the right direction when it comes to improving Guernsey's transport links," she said.
"I am confident this route will open up new opportunities for business and leisure travel, particularly through the worldwide connections British Airways offer, and it will bring more options and choice for travellers. We look forward to working closely with the teams at British Airways to make it a success, together with continuing to enhance our overall connectivity through the work on an updated Air Policy Framework."
The service operates with flight BA1344 departing London Heathrow at 11:55 and arriving in Guernsey at 12:55, while the return flight BA1345 leaves Guernsey at 13:45, arriving at Heathrow at 14:50. All flights operate to and from Terminal 5 at Heathrow.
Fares start from £96 return per person, including taxes and carrier fees. The service also offers Club Europe, British Airways' short-haul business class option, which includes lounge access, additional personal space, a light meal with drinks, and a larger baggage allowance.
Exact details of the subsidy being paid to BA to operate the route, as well as discounts offered by Guernsey Ports, have not been confirmed.
Background and history
Guernsey's connection to Heathrow has been intermittent over several decades, reflecting the challenges of sustaining air links between the Channel Islands and London's busiest airport. British Airways previously operated a Heathrow-Guernsey route, which ended in 1980 after 45 years of service. In the 1980s and 1990s, Air UK provided the connection, followed by various other carriers attempting to maintain this vital link. The most recent previous service was operated by Flybe from March 2019 until March 2020, supported by an £850,000 States subsidy for the route's viability. Flybe's collapse in March 2020 left Guernsey without direct Heathrow access for over six years. During this period, the island relied on connections via Gatwick, City Airport, and other UK airports, primarily operated by Aurigny. Economic Development began pursuing a new Heathrow partnership in 2025, engaging with stakeholders including the Guernsey International Business Association and Guernsey Hospitality Association, who demonstrated strong demand for the service. Negotiations with British Airways culminated in a multi-year agreement announced in November 2025, involving capped financial support from Economic Development and route incentive discounts from Guernsey Ports. The new daily service launched on Sunday 19 April 2026, marking the return of direct Heathrow connectivity after a seven-year gap.
Q&A
Q: How often does the new British Airways service between Heathrow and Guernsey operate?
A: The service operates daily throughout the year, with one flight each way per day.
Q: What are the flight times for the new Heathrow to Guernsey service?
A: The outbound flight BA1344 departs Heathrow at 11:55 and arrives in Guernsey at 12:55. The return flight BA1345 leaves Guernsey at 13:45 and arrives at Heathrow at 14:50.
Q: How much do tickets cost on the new British Airways Guernsey route?
A: Fares start from £96 return per person, including taxes and carrier fees, with a generous hand baggage allowance. A Club Europe business class option is also available.
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