Published on
January 10, 2026
The long standing air bridge between Mauritius and the United Kingdom continues to undergo a period of structural change, as Air Mauritius remains absent from London Heathrow Airport, the busiest aviation gateway in Europe. A confirmed extension of the suspension until April 2027 has been outlined through official parliamentary communication, reinforcing that the national carrier of Mauritius will continue operating London services exclusively through London Gatwick Airport for the foreseeable future. The situation has been shaped by binding slot lease agreements, financial pressures, and strategic recalibration aimed at protecting long term sustainability.
Within the wider framework of international travel and tourism between Mauritius and the United Kingdom, this development carries notable implications for passenger connectivity, airline economics, and destination access. While a return to Heathrow remains supported in principle by authorities in Mauritius, contractual realities and operational limitations have constrained immediate action. The evolving strategy highlights how historic aviation rights, cost structures, and partnership opportunities influence route planning in highly competitive global markets. For travelers, tourism stakeholders, and aviation observers in both Mauritius and the United Kingdom, the delay underscores a broader narrative of adaptation within international air transport.
Continued Suspension at London Heathrow
It has been officially confirmed that flights by Air Mauritius to London Heathrow Airport will not resume before April 2027. This extension has been attributed primarily to legally binding slot lease agreements that remain in force. These agreements have been described as non negotiable until the agreed expiry date, effectively preventing any operational presence at Heathrow during this period.
The suspension has remained a topic of national interest in Mauritius due to the symbolic and commercial importance of Heathrow as a global hub. Despite this, it has been acknowledged that no flights can be operated at the airport before the lease concludes, regardless of political or strategic intent.
Slot Lease Agreements and Financial Realities
Three historical slot pairs at Heathrow have been held by Air Mauritius since the launch of its London services in 1973. These slots have been leased to Qatar Airways, generating an estimated annual revenue of approximately US dollars 881000, equivalent to around Rs 41.4 million. While this arrangement has provided a predictable income stream, it has simultaneously imposed operational restrictions.
Under the terms of the lease, the use of these slots by Air Mauritius has been contractually prohibited until April 2027. The government of Mauritius has indicated that all available avenues are being explored to facilitate a return once conditions allow, but it has been clearly stated that the agreement remains binding.
Transition From Heathrow to Gatwick
The relocation of London services from Heathrow to Gatwick was announced in March 2023 and implemented in October of the same year. This decision followed strategic recommendations by CAPA Consulting, which had advised a shift as early as 2019 to support sustainable growth.
At Heathrow, only three weekly slot pairs were available to Air Mauritius, limiting the frequency of service and capping passenger capacity. Opportunities to acquire additional slots were unavailable, creating a structural ceiling on growth. Gatwick, by contrast, offered the potential for daily operations, enhanced scheduling flexibility, and lower operating costs.
Higher airport charges and passenger service fees at Heathrow, combined with announced increases from 2024 onward, were cited as further factors that weakened the economic case for continued operations there.
Cost Pressures and Connectivity Challenges
Another challenge identified during the strategic review process was limited commercial connectivity at Heathrow. Interest from United Kingdom based carriers for partnerships was reportedly minimal, restricting onward connections to domestic and European destinations.
At Gatwick, a more favorable environment was identified. A partnership with EasyJet was established in November 2023, leveraging EasyJet main hub at Gatwick to provide extensive connectivity across the United Kingdom and Europe. This alignment was designed to support travel and tourism flows by improving access for inbound visitors to Mauritius and facilitating outbound travel options for Mauritian residents.
Financial Performance of the Gatwick Route
Despite the strategic rationale behind the move, significant financial losses have been recorded on the Mauritius to London Gatwick route. Parliamentary data from the Ministry of Economy and Finance has highlighted that losses of approximately Rs 920 million were incurred between October 2023 and March 2024.
For the 2024 to 2025 financial year, losses reportedly increased to around Rs 1.7 billion. Over a cumulative period of 17 months ending in March 2025, total losses were estimated at nearly Rs 2.6 billion. These figures have underscored the financial strain faced by the airline during its transition period.
In response, corrective measures have been introduced. One such adjustment has included a reduction in flight frequencies from seven to five weekly services starting in May 2025, aimed at aligning capacity more closely with demand.
Government Oversight and Strategic Endorsement
Before the relocation was finalized, the proposed strategy was presented to the Prime Minister of Mauritius in February 2023. The board of Air Mauritius, chaired at the time by Marday Venketasamy, provided formal endorsement following the assessments conducted.
Following a change in government, renewed interest has been expressed in returning to Heathrow when feasible. However, it has been reiterated that no operational changes can be made until contractual obligations expire.
Leadership Perspectives During Transition
Messages from leadership have emphasized resilience and organizational cohesion during this period of transformation. Airport Holdings Ltd Chief Executive Officer Megh Pillay has highlighted the importance of teamwork, trust, and transparency as structural adjustments continue to be implemented.
Similarly, Air Mauritius Chief Executive Officer Andre Viljoen, appointed in October, has positioned 2026 as a year focused on renewal and internal mobilization. Employees have been recognized as a central pillar in the recovery process, with appreciation expressed for operational teams maintaining service continuity during peak travel periods.
Implications for Travel and Tourism Between Mauritius and the United Kingdom
The extended absence from Heathrow represents more than an operational issue. For the travel and tourism sectors in both Mauritius and the United Kingdom, it reflects the evolving dynamics of long haul aviation. Heathrow remains a preferred gateway for premium travelers and long haul connections, while Gatwick offers cost efficiency and leisure focused connectivity.
Tourism authorities and travel planners have been encouraged to adapt marketing strategies accordingly, emphasizing ease of access through Gatwick and strengthened low cost and regional connections. For travelers, the situation highlights how airline economics and infrastructure constraints can shape route availability.
Looking Ahead to 2027
As April 2027 approaches, attention is expected to remain focused on the potential return of Air Mauritius to London Heathrow Airport. Until then, operations through London Gatwick Airport will continue to define the air link between Mauritius and the United Kingdom.
The experience has illustrated the complexity of balancing heritage routes with modern commercial realities. Within the broader context of international travel and tourism, the situation serves as a case study in how airlines navigate constrained infrastructure, financial pressures, and evolving market demands.
