Aurigny raises concerns over impact of BA’s Guernsey–Heathrow flights

Aurigny says the British Airways Heathrow route will see seat capacity between Guernsey and London jump by 30% in April 2026.

Island FM broke the news yesterday (20 November) that British Airways was launching a brand-new route connecting Guernsey with London Heathrow.

It wasn't until midday today that the States made an official announcement.

It has confirmed that the year-round, daily flights will start in April 2026 and operate from Terminal 5 at London Heathrow.

British Airways will be using a combination of Airbus A319 and Airbus A320neo aircraft.

Aurigny, the States-owned airline has raised concerns that it may be financially impacted by another airline operating flights to the English capital, which it already flies to nine times a day.

Chairman of Aurigny, Kevin George said:

“In recent years, this capacity has been built up incrementally and with great care as part of a deliberate strategy to both maximise the economic interests of our community, while enabling our vital lifeline routes and additional airbridge services to be financially viable well into the future.

“This strategy informed our decision to launch the London City route just last year to meet the needs expressed by and lobbied for over many years by Guernsey’s finance community.

“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. 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 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."

Economic Development President Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller says the BA Heathrow route will provide a major boost for both business and tourism - but hasn't commented on a rumoured subsidy.

“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.

"In a week that has seen significant upheaval and disruption to air connectivity in the Channel Islands, I hope that this agreement with help shape a new era for air connectivity.

"British Airways’ route is intended to enhance the island’s connectivity alongside other operators.

"The Committee will be working very closely together with all the different stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes for the Bailiwick of 
Guernsey.”

British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, Neil Chernoff, says the addition of Guernsey to its schedule will benefit both its leisure and business customers.