Cyrano, there are no ringfenced slots at Dublin for the Irish PSO operations either. They are the “property” of the incumbent and are not guaranteed to transfer if the operator of the PSO changes.
eastmids, your assessment is correct. If Flybe now sell the LGW slots as they can (and as is likely to raise cash) and they subsequently were unable to start the Heathrow PSO, any new operator would be stuffed as they would not be able to access the LHR slots. The only exception would be BA who may consider an emergency PSO award with a large subsidy if dangled in front of them. It is a very dangerous game for Newquay and Cornwall CC at the moment.