Spanish budget airline Clickair will launch a third service from Heathrow to La Coruña in northern Spain from March 25.
Clickair claimed to be the first low-cost carrier to fly from Heathrow when it began services to Valencia and Seville on February 1.
Part-owned by Iberia, Clickair operates a single-class cabin, but offers flexible tickets, fast-track boarding and loungesto those paying a premium.
It has benefited from access to Iberia slots at Heathrow, with the Spanish flag carrier pulling off routes to allow Clickair a free run.
Clickair chief executive Alex Cruz admitted operating from Heathrow does compromise a low-cost operation. “Turnaround times are about 45-50 minutes, compared with 25 minutes elsewhere,” he said.
The carrier has options on slots at Stansted and Gatwick, but Cruz said it would concentrate on Heathrow for now, adding: “Only Ryanair has costs below ours.”
Clickair sells most of its seats direct, but is also available to travel agents through global distribution systems. The airline also offers frequent-flyer points as part of Iberia’s loyalty scheme, but no inter-line ticketing.