Direct flights between Dundee Airport and London Heathrow will continue for the next two years, it has been confirmed.

The route has been supported again by a Public Service Obligation (PSO), which protects routes that connect the UK, encourage economic growth and boost tourism

The new PSO is backed by UK Government, Scottish Government and Dundee City Council funding, as well as a contribution from the Tay Cities Region Deal.

Airline Loganair has been chosen by Dundee City Council to run the flights along the route.

The Department for Transport has allocated half of the PSO funding with the specific aim of enabling residents in Dundee to conveniently make round trips to London in a single day. Moreover, Heathrow Airport offers seamless connections to numerous international destinations, significantly enhancing Dundee’s connectivity.

Dundee City Council Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Convener Councillor Steven Rome said: “The move of flights from London City to Heathrow earlier this year has improved our city’s connectivity and we anticipate further growth in passenger numbers with the award of this latest PSO.

“We recognise the ongoing value that the airport provides for our city’s economy and for local businesses and people, and also by supporting local jobs. The link to and from Heathrow will also increase international passenger numbers by connecting to BA’s global route network.

“The city council continues to work in partnership so that we can extend this arrangement at Dundee Airport for the benefit of the city and wider region.

Alison Henderson, CEO of Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce, said: “I am delighted at the continuation of this link between Dundee and London Heathrow which is very important for our city’s business, culture and tourism.    

“Not only that, the advantage of Heathrow is that it opens up a host of onward connections to a range of international destinations. Award of the PSO for two years gives certainty that will help in efforts to further build demand for the future.” 

Aviation Minister Anthony Browne said: “Connectivity in today’s world is foundational to creating jobs and growing our economy. 

“That’s why today, the government has earmarked vital funding to continue the essential air service between London and Dundee. This investment will further stimulate growth and enhance the connectivity between Scotland and England.” 

Minister for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “The Scottish Government is committed to supporting this service, both through continued funding for the flights and our ongoing subsidy of Dundee Airport.

“The extension of this contract will continue to provide important connectivity for Dundee, benefiting business travellers and also supporting tourism by offering visitors a direct route to experience the city and surrounding area.

“The continuation of the London route can also act as a catalyst for wider growth in economic activity and jobs at Dundee Airport.”

Loganair CEO Jonathan Hinkles said: “We’re thrilled to have been awarded the PSO contract between Dundee and London Heathrow which allows us to continue serving the people of Dundee and the wider region, supporting opportunities for inward investment, tourism and onward travel.”

Dundee Airport Manager Derrick Lang, said: “We welcome the continuation of a direct flight to London and to working with Loganair to support connectivity between Tayside and the UK capital.”

Tay Cities Regional Deal 

The Tay Cities Region Deal is a partnership between local, Scottish and UK governments and the private, academic and voluntary sectors which seeks to create a smarter and fairer Angus, Dundee, Fife and Perth & Kinross under the headings Inclusive Tay; Innovative Tay; International Tay; Connected Tay and An Empowered Tay. 

The Scottish Government and UK Government will each invest up to £150 million in the Tay Cities Region Deal over 10 years, subject to final approval of robust business cases. 

As of 30th September 2022, over £74m of Government investment has been released and almost 700 jobs have been created. This central investment from both Governments has the potential to lever in £400m of investment over 15 years, of which more than £123m has been secured by Projects. 

Full and further information on the progress the Deal has made to date on securing investment and jobs, can be found within the Annual Performance Report located on the Tay Cities Region Deal website – https://www.taycities.co.uk/publications