Sean Moulton, an expert on airline schedules, released the news many have been expecting for weeks on social media this afternoon.
But there was instant negative reaction to the published slot times expected from 19 April, with flights seven days a week, leaving Heathrow at 11.55am and returning to the capital at 1.50pm.
Industry sources said that the times would not work for the business passenger using the route for a daily London link.
It was largely expected that Guernsey would be unlikely to secure prime slots at the beginning and end of the day, and would only be able to get slots in the middle of the day.
The States would not confirm the announcement today nor the level of taxpayer subsidy being provided, but it is understood that this is likely to be in the form of discounted landing fees and other charges in Guernsey.
The return to Heathrow has been shrouded in controversy, over whether the route would be worth a subsidy, whether the timings would be optimal for business travellers, and whether it would damage Aurigny’s services to London, particularly London City.
It is known that politicians have been split on the value of reopening the route, last operated in the year before Covid lockdowns on a subsidy nearing £1m. a year before it was pulled.
Policy & Resources Committee president Lindsay de Sausmarez said last month that the Heathrow issue was less about subsidies than the wider economic impact that Heathrow could stimulate.
The Guernsey Hospitality Association said that restoring the link for the first time in more than five years could deliver between £20-40m. in economic activity.
‘Securing a direct link to Heathrow would send a clear message that Guernsey is open for business and serious about improving air connectivity,’ said president Alan Sillett.
‘It should be viewed as an opportunity to position Guernsey as better connected, more accessible, and more attractive to both visitors and investors.
‘Route development is not simply a subsidy for an airline – it is an investment in Guernsey’s future prosperity.’
The Guernsey Aviation Action Group hailed the move as ‘some really positive government action’. It said that long-term agreements with British Airways would provide a significant boost to the economy and payback for government income.
Further details from the airline and the States are expected to be released on Friday.
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