Flybe said the Heathrow route could restart in winter, if landing slots can be secured.
It will operate flights to London Southend to help compensate.
‘Following the recent announcement by our franchise partner, Blue Islands, that it will be suspending flights between Guernsey and London Southend from 27 January, we are pleased to confirm that, with effect from 2 May, Flybe will be operating services on this route.
‘Seats will go on sale shortly.’
When asked if the Southend route would maintain its current schedule, Flybe declined to comment.
A joint statement issued on behalf of the Institute of Directors, Guernsey Chamber of Commerce and the Guernsey International Business Association advised islanders to appreciate the success of the route, even if it was temporary.
‘Whilst disappointing, the development should not detract from the achievement of securing the service in the first place.’
A survey of Chamber of Commerce and the Institute of Directors showed that a majority of members supported its continuation due to numerous benefits to business.
It pointed to cheaper flights as evidence the service had been healthy for the island.
‘While noting claims about the financial impact of Heathrow and Open Skies on Aurigny, it is important to reflect on the December 2019 inflation report. The report shows that “fares and other travel costs” were down 9.3% over the prior year, reducing the overall cost of living by 0.5%.
‘This means the average household is hundreds of pounds better off due to lower fares compared to last year.’
It went on to describe the route as an economic enabler that improved connectivity and helped deliver the best traffic growth for decades.
Deputy Parkinson, president of the Economic Development Committee, was disappointed the route had ended but was pleased with Flybe’s response.
‘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’.
Aurigny declined to comment on the demise of the Heathrow service.
One Guernsey Press reader viewed the whole exercise as a waste.
‘So we paid them nearly £1m. in direct competition to our own airline, which in my opinion was madness anyway. And now we’ll have no Heathrow. Another outstanding use of our money by the States.’
Another reader called on Aurigny to reduce losses now the route was no longer competing with them.
‘Now then Aurigny, I expect loss projections to be lowered from the £9 odd million you predicted as you based a lot of this on competition, no Liverpool and no Heathrow... but I bet it won’t!’
Prominent local businessman David Piesing said he thought it was a loss to business.
‘Generally I think it’s a loss to Guernsey because there are many clients of the finance industry who find Heathrow much easier to access than Gatwick, depending on where they are coming in from.
‘At the right price it is certainly worth having, although the slot times were not ideal, which I think did restrict passenger numbers on the route.’
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