Dundee airline passengers could soon catch flights to London Heathrow after a deal between Loganair and British Airways.
The UK’s largest regional airline Loganair confirmed earlier this week that it is preparing to offer more flights in and out of Heathrow.
The change could open up a wider range of connecting services, better linking Dundee to an array of global destinations.
If confirmed, however, it is likely to dismay many of the city’s frequent flyers.
One regular on the Dundee to London City flight said: “I would avoid Heathrow like the plague.”
Loganair bosses have struck the deal with British Airways to free up 60 weekly slots in the name of improving “UK regional connectivity”.
That means 30 new arrivals and 30 new departures from the London airport to other UK airports.
For Dundee, that is likely to mean new connections between the city and London Heathrow, with a suggested start date of April 30.
Papers from airline ‘slot co-ordinator’ ACL, posted online, appeared to confirm the new connection.
But Loganair bosses remain tight lipped. A spokeswoman said details on which UK services are covered in the deal was “still to be confirmed”.
Will flights still leave Dundee for London City?
Loganair currently offers flights from Dundee to London City, Belfast City, Kirkwall in Orkney and Sumburgh in Shetland.
It is not yet clear if the new Heathrow flights would be in addition to the London City connection or – as is more likely – as a direct replacement for the London City connection.
It appears Loganair plans to launch flights between Derry-London Heathrow and Dundee-London Heathrow from 30 April 2023. The tags to Kirkwall and Sumburgh to remain too
This will be subject to DfT agreement given that PSOs will have to move airports https://t.co/CGj25lKVlP pic.twitter.com/Qf08x1wnmG
— Sean M 🌈✈ (@SeanM1997) March 28, 2023
Alison Henderson is the CEO of the Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce.
She said the region’s business community support plans to extend Heathrow Airport on the grounds the extra runway would support better regional connections.
“That is absolutely important.
“I’m delighted Loganair have managed to secure this. That is a big tick in the box. Anything that cements the future of the airport is good. ”
Business flyers were keen to see a ‘connected ticket’ where luggage loaded in Dundee would remain loaded to a passenger’s destination, she added.
“They [business community] are focused on how easy it is to travel and the price.”
I would avoid Heathrow ‘like the plague’
Broughty Ferry IT consultant Steve Davidson is a regular passenger on the Dundee to London City flight.
He said he had mixed feelings about any move away from London City.
“City airport is much easier to get to and is in reach of where I need to be in London. Check in is quicker and much easier to get around once you are in.
Heathrow is great for onward flights but can be difficult to get to and from.”
Another regular passenger shared Steve’s concerns.
“If I am taking a direct flight to London then City is the first choice because you fly through security. In Heathrow it is about an hour.
“I would avoid Heathrow like the plague.”
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