Lithuanian Airports, has initiated an incentive program for airlines to submit their proposals for operating direct flights between Vilnius and London City Airport to promote flights to destinations of strategic importance for the country.
The airlines are to submit their proposals between May 26 and June 9, 2023. The airport will identify a suitable airline for the route by September with a potential commencement of operations by autumn.
All proposals submitted will be evaluated based on the criteria specified in the call, according to the airport. As this route holds significant significance for business travelers, the selection criteria also prioritize flight schedules and frequencies that cater to the convenience of this passenger segment.
Commenting on the incentive, Aurimas Stikliunas, interim CEO, Lithuanian Airports, said: “This new incentive model is based on a long-term partnership between Lithuanian Airports and the airlines that will operate the flights – an investment agreement between Lithuanian Airports and the airline will be concluded for a specific destination for a maximum of 15 years.”
The popular Vilnius-London route is operated currently by Ryanair offering direct flights from Vilnius to London Stansted (STN) and London Luton Airport (LTN) on a daily basis. Wizz Air also links Vilnius with London Luton five time weekly apart from twice weekly flights connecting Kaunas to London.
Lithuania currently lacks a direct route between its capital and London Heathrow.
