The move, subject to government approval, will offer enhanced access to central London and provide passengers with single-ticket connections to 119 destinations in 56 countries from City of Derry, and 97 destinations in 45 countries from Dundee.

The airline’s partnerships, including with British Airways, will enable destinations across Europe, Middle East, North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Australasia to be accessible from the UK regional airports. The shift will also bring new investment and tourism opportunities to the UK’s regions.

“The move to Heathrow truly is a gamechanger for UK regional air services”, says Loganair chief cxecutive Jonathan Hinkles. “Alongside excellent ground transport links into central London, the new range of global flight connections will bring new inward investment opportunities and tourism into the UK’s regions, together with enabling travellers to use their local airport to fly worldwide for the first time”.

Steve Frazer, managing director at City of Derry Airport, said: “This proposed switch to London Heathrow from City of Derry Airport is an exciting time for the airport. Not only will this provide direct connectivity to London’s premier airport, it also creates a ‘Gateway to the World’ via one of the world’s best international hubs.

“This will be a significant step for economic and strategic growth across the Northwest, all from your convenient local airport.”

Heathrow chief commercial officer Ross Baker said: “Welcoming further Loganair services to Heathrow is exciting, with UK passengers and businesses set to benefit from hundreds of onward connections around the world.

“Our domestic charging discounts will continue to support further growth in our domestic network – which is vital to strengthen our role as the UK’s hub airport, helping to level-up investment across the country, while connecting more people and businesses to global growth.”