How British Airways’ Gatwick Entry Triggered Aurigny’s £5m Loss Forecast for 2026

A developing aviation policy debate in the Gatwick-Guernsey Route has intensified after a campaign group called on the island’s state-owned airline, Aurigny, to withdraw from its London Gatwick service and lease its valuable airport slots to other carriers. The call, originally reported by the BBC and monitored by The Ameh News, has reignited questions over the long-term sustainability of the island’s air connectivity strategy and the financial viability of its flagship airline.
The Guernsey Aviation Action Group argues that opening the Gatwick slots to larger, more commercially aggressive airlines could significantly improve pricing efficiency, service reliability, and international connectivity for island residents. The group maintains that Aurigny’s current operational model may no longer be the most effective mechanism for delivering competitive London access.
The debate comes at a time when Aurigny is projected to face losses of around £5 million in 2026, driven largely by declining passenger traffic on its Gatwick route. This downturn follows increased competition after British Airways launched a competing service between Guernsey and Heathrow in April, reshaping demand patterns on key London routes.
Campaigners: “Slots are more valuable than operations”
Speaking on behalf of the advocacy group, Joe Mooney argued that Aurigny should reassess its strategic priorities and focus strictly on what best serves Guernsey’s long-term aviation interests.
He suggested that the airline’s control of Gatwick slots does not necessarily require it to operate the route itself, insisting that leasing them could unlock greater efficiency.
“Aurigny should be looking at what’s best for Guernsey, not what’s best for Aurigny,” Mooney said, adding that the airline could still focus on regional UK connections such as Bristol, Exeter, and Southampton while other operators handle the London corridor.
Mooney also questioned whether Aurigny’s financial difficulties were being overstated as a consequence of Heathrow competition, pointing out that losses had already been recorded prior to British Airways entering the market.
Aurigny defends strategic role in island connectivity
In response, Aurigny strongly defended its position, stating that it remains central to maintaining Guernsey’s air access to the United Kingdom.
The airline said it has consistently worked to strengthen connectivity since its establishment, arguing that the island now enjoys one of the strongest air access profiles per capita among comparable island regions.
Aurigny also emphasised that its fleet is specifically designed for operational flexibility, fuel efficiency, and frequency of service tailored to the needs of the island economy.
“Aurigny is by far the best equipped airline to operate our extensive route network to and from the United Kingdom and intra-island services,” the airline stated, rejecting suggestions that its Gatwick operations should be outsourced.
Financial pressure and Heathrow impact
Aurigny acknowledged that it had already warned of revenue pressure following the introduction of the Heathrow route, describing the resulting financial impact as expected in a more competitive market environment.
The airline further noted that it is fully aware of its current financial position and will release official results in due course, while declining to engage in what it described as speculative commentary.
Broader governance debate emerges
The issue has also reopened wider policy discussions in Guernsey over the role of a government-owned airline in managing essential transport infrastructure. While Aurigny was originally acquired by the States of Guernsey in 2003 to protect critical air links and secure London slots, critics now argue that market conditions have evolved significantly.
The Guernsey Aviation Action Group continues to advocate for a more flexible model that prioritises slot efficiency and competitive market participation over direct airline operation.
For now, Aurigny, the airline owned by the States of Guernsey remains committed to its current structure, while stakeholders await further financial disclosures that may shape the next phase of the island’s aviation strategy.
A BBC-monitored report reveals growing pressure on Aurigny as a Guernsey aviation group calls for the airline, which is owned by the States of Guernsey to drop its Gatwick route and lease slots to other operators. The debate raises questions about losses, competition from British Airways, and the future of island connectivity.              Guernsey aviation campaigners urge Aurigny airline, which is owned by the States of Guernsey to abandon Gatwick operations and lease slots amid rising losses and Heathrow competition, as BBC-reported concerns spark debate over the future of island air connectivity.