Up to 3 Weekly Flights: London Heathrow Airport’s Least Common Airlines This Summer

London Heathrow Airport (LHR) has regained its status as Europe's busiest airport, welcoming 79.2 million passengers last year. Between July and September 2024, Heathrow will see an average of 685 daily departures, operated by about 80 passenger airlines across more than 300 routes.

Several airlines at Heathrow operate only up to three weekly flights, making them the least common at this bustling hub. This often results from limited slot availability at Heathrow and the high fees associated with operating there, leading some airlines to choose other airports like Gatwick.

Azerbaijan Airlines and Uzbekistan Airways

Azerbaijan Airlines launched flights at Gatwick in March 2024, followed by Uzbekistan Airways in April. Both airlines likely opted for Gatwick due to Heathrow’s slot constraints and higher operating costs, making Gatwick’s lower fees and simpler logistics more appealing despite the split London operation.

Turkmenistan Airlines

Turkmenistan Airlines is a notable example of a carrier that shifted operations due to these constraints. Until early 2024, the airline operated weekly flights from Ashgabat to Heathrow using a Boeing 777-200LR. In May 2024, it moved to Gatwick, increasing to twice-weekly flights with the 777-200LR and occasionally the 777-300ER.

Interestingly, Turkmenistan Airlines' service patterns are not driven by typical commercial factors. Its passenger volumes and load factors have been low, reflecting the limited UK-Turkmenistan market. Data from 2023 shows only about 14 passengers daily each way between the two countries. Historically, the airline has focused on connecting passengers to destinations like Amritsar in India, now served non-stop by Air India from Birmingham and Gatwick.

Other Airlines with Limited Presence

Other airlines with minimal presence at Heathrow include:

• Uzbekistan Airways: Recently started at Gatwick due to slot issues at Heathrow.
• Azerbaijan Airlines: Also new at Gatwick, facing similar constraints.
• Vueling: Returned to Heathrow in April 2024.
• TAROM: Expected to exit Heathrow in October 2024.

These airlines’ limited flights highlight the competitive nature of securing slots at Heathrow and the strategic decisions airlines must make regarding airport operations.