British Airways Unveils Extensive Winter 2026 Schedule
Colombo, Sri Lanka
The inaugural flight to Sri Lanka departed London Gatwick on October 23. Upon landing in Colombo, the crew—many with personal ties to the island—received a traditional dance welcome. This service operates three times weekly throughout the winter. It connects London directly to Sri Lanka’s famous beaches, wildlife, and vibrant culture. Passengers can choose between World Traveller, World Traveller Plus, and Club World cabins, with return fares starting at £524. To celebrate the launch, Club World passengers enjoy a limited-edition menu created with Hoppers restaurants.
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Bahia Principe Prepares December ReopeningsNeil Chernoff, Director of Network and Alliances, stated that the new Colombo service reflects the airline's commitment to providing more choice. He noted that the carrier is increasing capacity on popular long-haul and short-haul routes. Whether customers seek winter sun, culture, or festive markets, the airline is expanding its options to meet demand.
Winter Sun and New Australian Route
British Airways is boosting capacity to popular long-haul destinations, including Cape Town, Tokyo, Bridgetown, Kingston, and San José. A brand-new route to Melbourne, Australia, launches on January 9, featuring a stopover in Kuala Lumpur. This service coincides with the Australian Open and the Melbourne Grand Prix. Melbourne is celebrated for its thriving arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and world-class coffee culture. It also serves as a gateway to the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians National Park. Flights offer Club World and First cabins, with return fares starting from £1,110.
European Holidays and Seasonal Escapes
The winter schedule adds frequency to several European destinations, including Rome, Florence, Gothenburg, and Jersey. Fuerteventura moves from Gatwick to Heathrow, operating twice weekly from mid-December through April. Palermo becomes a year-round destination, while Thessaloniki extends its season into November and March.
Cairo will see seven additional weekly flights, bringing the total to three daily services. Geneva remains a primary destination for skiers, with up to 110 flights per week during peak season. Travelers can depart from Heathrow, Gatwick, or London City to access the Alps. For festive travelers, the airline will operate five weekly flights to Cologne and four to Nuremberg throughout December. Innsbruck will receive 16 weekly flights from Gatwick and two from London City. Finally, the airline is launching direct flights from Gatwick to Rovaniemi, Finland, providing easy access to the home of Santa Claus.