British Airways returns short-haul international operations to Gatwick Airport

It’s been some time coming, but British Airways short-haul international operations have finally returned to London Gatwick Airport.

British Airways Airbus A320 at London Gatwick Airport – Image, British Airways.

The airline cut back the short-haul international operation out of Gatwick due to the pandemic, with the airline relaunching services yesterday.

Initially, services will operate under the British Airways Air Operators Certificate (AOC), before moving operations to a new British Airways branded subsidiary, BA Euroflyer later in the year. The new airline will operate similarly to the company’s existing subsidiary BA Cityflyer, flying under the British Airways brand and delivering a premium British Airways product.

On day one, the airline British Airways operated four short-haul flights to Larnaca, Amsterdam, Paphos and Tenerife. In total, customers will have the choice of 35 destinations to fly to from Gatwick, before more destinations are added later this year.

The planned operation for routes is as follows:

As usual, you will need to check on the British Airways site or your favourite travel agent/search engine for timings and costs.

Whilst future flights might be operated by BA Euroflyer, they will still operate the same kind of onboard service – with both Club Europe (Business Class) and EuroTraveller (Economy Class) offered. In addition features such as baggage allowance, free water and snacks, free seat selection at -24 hours and frequent flyer benefits which include lounge access are offered to passengers as per the main British Airways product.

Onboard catering will vary. Club Europe offers a premium check-in experience, lounges and a complimentary meal and bar service on board. Those of you in EuroTraveller can purchase food before travel which will include fresh options from Tom Kerridge as part of the airline’s ‘Speedbird Café’ menu.

The first World Traveller Plus check-in zone

With British Airways moving back into the South Terminal (which recently reopened), there was also something new – something that has been promised for some time. The airline showed off its World Traveller Plus check-in zone which is available for customers flying on a long-haul service with the airline.

The new zone which sits alongside the airline’s Club World desks gives those travelling in its World Traveller Plus cabin (premium economy) an exclusive check-in experience. They will shortly be rolled out at Heathrow, followed by the rest of the British Airways network.

In Quotes

Tom Stoddart, Acting CEO of British Airways Euroflyer, said

“Today marks a significant milestone for British Airways as we operate our first European services from Gatwick in two years.”

“I am really proud of what we have created at Gatwick, we have an excellent team with lots of new and exciting talent. I am looking forward in anticipation to see our newest subsidiary grow, adding new routes and providing customers with more options to get away on holiday with a premium British Airways service.”

Millar Smith, British Airways Euroflyer Crew member, said:

“I was over the moon when I found out that I had been accepted as crew for British Airways, it is my dream job! Before this I worked as a 999 handler for the London Ambulance Service, which has been incredibly useful throughout my training with the airline. British Airways is a premium British airline and that is what excited me about the job role. My first service will be to Tenerife and I can’t wait!”

Edging to a (lower-cost) normality

With British Airways heading back to Gatwick to operate international short-haul services, things are slowly heading back to normal – even if the operation looks to the same to the customer, there are changes below the surface to allow the airline to cut costs.

Hopefully the growth the airline will place at the airport will be sustainable in the long term to ensure its Gatwick hub grows again.

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