Guernsey to Heathrow flight talks confirmed

The States of Guernsey said discussions with an airline are ongoing but "commercial details" are private

Talks to start operating flights between Guernsey and London Heathrow have been opened, the government said.

The States of Guernsey said discussions with an airline were ongoing but "commercial details" would be kept private.

Economic Development President Sasha Kazantseva-Miller said she had been made aware of "lots of speculation" surrounding a potential new route.

The deputy added the government had been examining options and any "concrete" updates would be "proactively communicated to the community".

"While I can say that talks with a potential operator are ongoing, it is also clear that such commercial discussions should remain confidential," she said.

The island's States-owned airline Aurigny currently operates flights to London Gatwick.

Deputy Lee van Katwyk said he was "in support" of a new route to Heathrow with a different firm, even if it meant the States created competition for its own airline.

Van Katwyk said: "We've seen what good connectivity looks like with Brittany Ferries.

"As tourism lead on the committee for economic development, I am keen to see this particular company operating into the island."

He said the undisclosed airline had a "much larger marketing book" than Brittany Ferries and its potential impact on the island's tourism industry "cannot be understated".

"Aurigny must stand on its own two feet in the face of competition," he said.