Guernsey's British Airways deal to 'shape new era'

The new route, which will run from April 2026, will see hour-long daily flights between Heathrow to Guernsey

A newly announced agreement or a direct route between Guernsey and Heathrow airports could "shape a new era for connectivity," according to a senior politician.

President of the Committee for Economic Development, Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller has said the deal with an international brand like BA would "really help bring more visitors and business to Guernsey."

The new route, which will run from April 2026, will see hour-long daily flights from Heathrow to Guernsey at 11:55 and Guernsey to Heathrow at 13:50 GMT.

Ms Kazantseva-Miller also said the success of working up a 15-year contract with Brittany Ferries was "showing us the power of the big operators".

'Budget support'

She said: "We know improving connectivity to our island is one of the most important economic development levers we've got and to have opportunities like this to work with international operators like BA - we've got to grab them with both hands.

"The importance is not just the link itself but that we work with international brands like BA which have the breadth of marketing and database to really help bring more visitors and business to Guernsey. "

When asked how the States was going to support the deal with Policy & Resources not subsidising rates, Ms Kazantseva-Miller said: "The mandate for the delivery of the air connectivity objective is part of my committee so I'm pleased to confirm we're able, through my committee's budget, to support the agreement and we're working closely with Guernsey Ports as well, who will be offering their side of financial incentives as well."

She added while the flight times may not serve a day return market, it would work "for visitors coming to Guernsey to stay overnight and enjoy all the wonderful hospitality".

Aurigny has said the introduction of a route between Heathrow and Guernsey could lead to it cutting some of its services, including its London City route.

"It's [BA] is not seeking to cannibalise, it's seeking to supplement the air connectivity options that we've already got," Ms Kazantseva-Miller said.

"We've been through a massive week of upheaval in Channel Islands connectivity so I think it's important we respond in the best way possible to meet the demands of our community.

"We need to make sure we work closely with Aurigny to make sure the response to the instruction of this Heathrow link is as robust as possible."

She added: "The success of working with one of the strongest brands in the region [Brittany Ferries] is showing us the power of the big operators.

"I can see an opportunity for us to really shape a new era for connectivity."