FlyBe considering Heathrow flights

Airline FlyBe said it wants to introduce flights between Dundee and Heathrow if plans for a third runway at the London airport are realised.

FlyBe, which already operates flights from Dundee to Amsterdam and London Stansted, said it is considering introducing 12 “critical” new routes if the proposed Heathrow extension goes ahead.

The UK Government has said it will announce its decision on whether to build a third runway at Heathrow soon.

Other options being considered include a new runway at Gatwick or extending one of Heathrow’s existing runways.

If the project to build a new runway is given the green light, it could see an additional 25,000 flight movements introduced at Heathrow by 2021.

These would be ring-fenced for domestic flights until 2037.

The proposals also include a £10 discount for every flight from Heathrow to a UK destination and bringing forward a £10 million route development fund to 2021.

FlyBe chief executive Saad Hammad said: “Flybe is heartened by the proposed plan announced last week by Heathrow.

“It paves the way for us, as champions of regional connectivity, to jump quickly into action.

“I am confident we are now in a good position to explore the viability and commercial feasibility of introducing a number of critical new routes for domestic connectivity as soon as the new slots were to become available at Heathrow, to and from where many of our codeshare partners offer seamless onward long-haul connections for regional passengers.”

As well as Dundee, FlyBe is considering new routes between Heathrow and Carlisle, Prestwick, Humberside, Liverpool, Londonderry, Norwich, Durham Tees, Doncaster Sheffield, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey.

Mr Hammad added: “Flybe would strongly urge the Government to give an expanded Heathrow the green light.

“Together we can then start without further undue delay to deliver the fastest, most convenient and frequent selection of regional air services that Britain badly needs.”

FlyBe wants to introduce flights between Dundee and Heathrow if plans for a third runway at the London airport are realised.