Heathrow-Scotland: competition to return in March

Flybe is taking over the slots from Aberdeen and Edinburgh relinquished by Virgin Atlantic’s Little Red operation

Flying high: Flybe will provide competition for British Airways

From 26 March 2017, Flybe will take over the slots relinquished by Virgin Atlantic from Edinburgh and Aberdeen. It will operate more than 40 scheduled flights a week to Heathrow Terminal 2, making connections much easier to airlines that are members of the Star Alliance.

The slots belong to IAG, the company that owns British Airways. They were made available when BA took over BMI, as part of the agreement to maintain competition. Initially they were operated by Virgin Atlantic under the Little Red brand. Links began in March 2013, but ended in September 2015 after heavy losses.

Since then, British Airways has had a monopoly on flights to Heathrow from Scotland, with all services using Terminal 5.

Heathrow has since reduced handling charges for domestic flights by £10.

Flybe will be using smaller aircraft than Virgin Atlantic. Flybe’s Executive Chairman, Simon Laffin, hinted that the airline is hoping for more domestic routes to and from Heathrow:

“Whilst other operators may have dismissed the possibility of further domestic routes into Heathrow, we look forward to working with the airport to further expand the range of domestic destinations.”

Heathrow’s Chief Executive, John Holland-Kaye, said: “More airlines flying routes to Scottish airports means more flights, more competition and choice for families, and more visitors to Scotland.

“With Flybe based at Terminal 2, it also means new, unique direct access from Heathrow to markets such Colombia, Taipei and Auckland – meaning more opportunity for Scottish businesses looking to reach new export markets.”