Belfast City to Heathrow

Aer Lingus is set to close its Belfast City to Heathrow operation.  Regulatory changes arising from Britain’s exit from the European Union may force the Irish carrier to cease what is a UK domestic route.

Since Brexit, the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement requires all UK-based airlines to operate under a UK operating licence, meaning EU carriers such as Aer Lingus are not permitted to operate UK domestic routes.

In a notice to customers, the Irish flag carrier said that Brexit was impacting its travel rights within the UK market, particularly on the Belfast – Heathrow route. “Despite constructive discussions, we have to date been unable to identify a viable solution, and there is now a likelihood that we will cease our Belfast – London Heathrow operation from effect from March 26, 2023. At present, we are in consultation processes with our people and unions as we engage on proposed options,” the airline said in a statement shared on social media.

Flights up to and including 25 March, would continue as scheduled.

The route has always been something of an anomaly using T2 at Heathrow, quicker into London but for the most part not linking to partner oneworld carriers including most importantly British Airways.  However, the dropping of the service might be a life saviour for Flybe who also compete, albeit with a Q400 v Aer Lingus A320 series and also calls into question the viability of the Aer Lingus lounge, with only Dublin to serve.

www.aerlingus.com

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