Loganair Heathrow routes shift rubber-stamped

Loganair’s plan to move Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services from City of Derry and Dundee airports to Heathrow has won the green light.

The Department for Transport confirmed the switch of the services to the London hub from London City airport and Stansted.

They will operate to Terminal 2 from May 6, giving Derry its first link with Heathrow, while Dundee sees a route restored after a gap of almost 40 years.

Scottish island communities in Orkney and Shetland will also benefit as Loganair’s same-plane services from Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands and Sumburgh in the Shetland Islands via Dundee will fly to Heathrow from May 7.   

British Airways is also extending a partnership with Loganair by adding 11 new routes to a codeshare agreement. 

The expansion will now give BA passengers access to 46 of Loganair’s UK routes, meaning that customers can book onward connections from destinations across the airline’s network or point to point travel in the UK through the BA website.

Loganair chief executive Jonathan Hinkles said: “This is a milestone moment for Loganair – and indeed for regional connectivity.

“With approval from the Department for Transport and opening of worldwide connections for booking with British Airways, we’re now all set for this move to Heathrow. 

“It will be revolutionary for connectivity for Derry and Dundee and the regions that the airports serve, and the benefits will be felt as far afield as Orkney and Shetland too.

“We welcome the news of our codeshare agreement expansion with British Airways. This is a cherished partnership and one which further consolidates our position as the go-to airline for connectivity across the United Kingdom.”  

Aviation minister Baroness Vere added: “Our funding continues to sustain these vital transport links, support local jobs, and provide passengers with more options whilst travelling between London, Scotland and Northern Ireland. 

“By approving the move to Heathrow, we’re boosting local economies in Derry/Londonderry and Dundee, and passengers will enjoy more onward connections.”