An Isle of Man to Heathrow airlink will resume next month.

Scottish airline Loganair will launch a six flights week service to Heathrow from December 1.

The costs of the operation have been underwritten by the Manx government.

Minsters had been considering whether the taxpayer should support services to both Heathrow and Gatwick but in the event decided to underwrite a single route.

Loganair temporarily operated a Ronaldsway to Heathrow service when London City was closed during the coronavirus lockdown.

The now defunct Flybe operated the route between April and October 2019, with a once-daily service using Dash-8-400s.

Loganair took over the Isle of Man to Manchester and Liverpool routes in March this year, following Flybe’s demise. It has also been operating the patient transfer service to Liverpool.

The route will be operated using a 49-seater Embraer 145 regional jet with fares ranging from £69.99 one way.

Flights depart Ronaldsway at 6.50am Monday to Thursday and 3.30pm on Friday and Sunday.

Saturday flights will be introduced from December 19.

The airline employs pilots and cabin crew based in the Isle of Man and contracts the maintenance of its aircraft to M&A Technical Services, which is based at Ronaldsway.

Loganair chief executive Jonathan Hinkles said: 'We are heartened to be able to restore the Isle of Man’s connectivity to London Heathrow.

'It represents an excellent springboard for future developments as and when circumstances allow, and this will include creation of local employment in the Isle of Man to fly Loganair’s services.'

Infrastructure Minister Tim Baker MHK said: ‘Restoring the Heathrow route has been a long-term aspiration for the government, which is pleased to be working with Loganair to make it happen.

'Establishing the connection at this stage will enable island residents and businesses to look forward with confidence and will also lead to important employment opportunities locally.'