British Airways launches direct flights between Guernsey and London Heathrow
- British Airways will commence flights between London Heathrow and Guernsey in April 2026.
- The route aims to support both business and tourist travel to the island.
- Flight leaves London at 11.55am, returning at 1.50pm.
- Costs of financial support remains under wraps.
- The flights will be operated using Airbus A319 and A320neo aircraft.
- Aurigny considers its response
A deal has been struck for a daily Heathrow service starting in April.
Flights will operate year-round, using a combination of Airbus A319 and Airbus A320neo aircraft, making use of British Airways’ hub at London Heathrow Terminal 5.
Firm details of the agreement between Economic Development and British Airways have not been released.
Economic Development President Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller said: “Connectivity is one of the most important economic development levers and a key priority for the Committee this political term.
“We have already seen excellent improvements in our sea connectivity this year and are taking a proactive approach in developing air travel. I am very pleased to confirm that our partnership with British Airways, an international airline with an extensive network, can help us drive passenger numbers and meet the demands of our community, business and tourism sectors.”
When asked to confirm the details of the agreement that had been signed, she said: “The multi-year incentive agreement includes capped financial support and route incentive discounts from the Committee for Economic Development and Guernsey Ports.”
There have been no details of the economic impact the committee expects to see from the deal.
Questions also remain about the impact it will have on travel numbers and in particular what it means for Aurigny and its London links.
If no changes were made, one day in July next year would, for example, see flights leave Guernsey for London at: 6:40 am to City, 6:55 am to Gatwick, 9:25 am to Gatwick, 10:15 am to Gatwick, 1:40 pm to Gatwick, 1:50 pm to Heathrow, 2:40 pm to Gatwick, 4:45 pm to Gatwick, 5:30 pm to City, and 6:10 pm to Gatwick.
Some have questioned how attractive the Heathrow timings will be for business travellers, but others welcome the connectivity it provides as well as the marketing power BA brings to the table.
In contrast to Guernsey’s lunchtime service, Jersey has two or three daily flights to Heathrow provided by BA, the first one out at 7am and the earliest arriving in the island at 9.45am.
Auringy now has a decision to make about what happens with London City following the expected 30% increase in seating capacity on the London routes.
History has suggested overall passenger numbers do not tend to go up, but they simply spread out to use different airports.
“The rapid increase in capacity into a market, or withdrawal as we have recently witnessed in Guernsey’s fellow Channel Island, has an unquestionable impact on travellers, airlines and the broader community,” Kevin George, Chairman of Aurigny said.
“While some changes represent opportunity, there are also material risks involved.
“The challenge with adding air connectivity into an already-served market is to do so without taking away from what is already in place. Stability and sustainability of air connectivity are critical for us all, and we will continue to work with all stakeholders as we seek to balance the risk/reward equation of what is proving to be a fast-changing local aviation market.
“Our obligation is to highlight the likely implications to all our stakeholders and to take mitigating action to lessen the impacts on our business. In the coming weeks, we will seek to work with our shareholder [States Trading Supervisory Board] on the effect that today’s announcement may have on our primary shareholder objective of protecting Guernsey’s London connectivity. And, of course, we will focus on managing the immediate financial impact on our business.”
Flights were on sale on the British Airways website on Thursday 20 November, although the States did not confirm the agreement until releasing a statement embargoed until midday on Friday 21 November.
British Airways' Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, Neil Chernoff, said: "We’re pleased to be expanding our route map with the addition of Guernsey, bringing the total number of our Heathrow short-haul network to nearly 100 destinations."
Jo Peacegood, Chair of GIBA, said: "GIBA recognises the benefits of a Guernsey to Heathrow air link. It will improve Guernsey’s connections to long-haul intercontinental business hubs in our target markets. GIBA is also supportive of having a large reputable brand such as BA operating the route.
"We believe that a BA Heathrow airlink sends a strong, positive message to existing and potential international clients of Guernsey’s financial services sector and to many other visitors to our island."
Guernsey’s last link with Heathrow was flown by Flybe from March 2019, with a £825,000 subsidy from the States for the first seven months and more spent beyond that.
That ended in March 2020.
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