Loganair’s Isle of Man to London Heathrow route will cease on Wednesday, August 11.

The airline has made the decision to cancel the route after it said it was unable to agree essential financial support for the service from the Isle of Man Government beyond the end of July.

Loganair started the route at the end of November last year on a 49-seat Embraer 145 jet after previously operating a service from the island to London City on behalf of BA CityFlyer.

The airline's chief commercial officer Kay Ryan said: ’We regret having to take this decision to cancel the Heathrow service and also very much regret the inconvenience to our customers.

’The sharp rise in costs of operating services at London’s premier airport coupled to the slower-than-expected rebound in passenger numbers after the pandemic mean that the route is not viable unless it has financial support from the Isle of Man Government.

’We were given to understand the connectivity we can provide via codeshare agreements with our international airline partners at Heathrow was of vital importance to the island community, and it has therefore come as an unwelcome surprise that the Isle of Man Government foresees no continuing requirement for the route.

A government statement in response to the news said: 'The resumption of commercial flights to the South East of England mean the Isle of Man Government should now step away and allow the aviation sector to cater for demand in a competitive marketplace.'

‘The cancellation of passengers’ flights is, of course, regrettable and will lead to some disappointment, but is ultimately a commercial decision.'

Loganair operates routes from the island to Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Jersey.

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

Ms Ryan added: 'We fully intend to support local employment and the local business supply chain by continuing our other services from the island, and we hope to continue vital airlinks for the island patient travel service to Liverpool hospitals.’