Air Mauritius has encountered operational delays due to binding slot lease agreements at London airports, which will prevent the airline from resuming flights to Heathrow before April 2027. The airline's slots at Heathrow are currently leased to Qatar Airways, generating revenue for the Mauritian carrier. The Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navin Ramgoolam, disclosed that contractual obligations restrict the airline from returning to Heathrow until the lease expires, prompting a strategic shift to London Gatwick in late October 2023.
The move to Gatwick has resulted in significant financial losses, estimated at approximately MUR920 million (19.8 million) between October 2023 and March 2024, and projected losses for the upcoming financial year. The shift was intended to increase flight frequency and reduce operational costs, as Heathrow’s cap limited the airline to three weekly flights. Currently, Air Mauritius operates an Airbus A350-900 on this route, competing with British Airways, which uses B777-200ERs.
Operational and Strategic Implications
This decision was supported by prior strategic assessments from CAPA Consulting, which recommended the move due to limited growth prospects at Heathrow. The airline's new route strategy at Gatwick, providing daily flights and partnerships with airlines like easyJet, aims to improve commercial viability. The future expansion depends on lease agreements ending, alongside regulatory and market conditions. Nevertheless, Air Mauritius remains committed to expanding its presence at London airports.
