As we enter the Late Summer Bank Holiday in England, British Airways is lining up flights for Summer 2026, with a focus on long-haul routes.
Let’s take a look at what’s being offered.
North America
As usual, there’s a lot of connectivity to the USA, with some bumps in capacity.
- Miami – Reintroduction of Double-Daily service between London Heathrow to Miami International Airport
- Dallas-Fort Worth – Daily service to be reintroduced between London Heathrow and Dallas-Fort Worth
- Las Vegas – To be increased from 10 to 13 flights per week, operating between London Heathrow and Las Vegas
- San Diego – To be increased to 14 flights a week
- Austin – To be increased to 14 flights a week
- New York – British Airways is suspending its flight between Gatwick and New York, with all flights to New York operating from London Heathrow. The airline argues this will improve connectivity for travellers with optimal onward connection times to Europe, the US, and further afield. Nine flights will be operated with retrofitted Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, with First and Club Suite.
Jamaica
There is a small bump to the London Gatwick to Kingston, Jamaica route on the cards, with the four flights per week for the summer 2026 season, compared with the current three flights.
Bangkok
Last year, British Airways returned to Bangkok after a long break. It seems that the route is popular enough again for the airline to switch it from a winter seasonal route to an all-year-round route.
Starting in summer 2026, services to and from Bangkok will operate three times per week, and the airline will operate six weekly flights during the winter season, representing a significant increase in winter flights, reflecting the airline’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for travel to Southeast Asia.
This flight will continue to operate between London Gatwick to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, with onward connectivity with Bangkok Airways to further destinations.
Middle East
There’s ample growth in the Middle East network, with four changes:
- Bahrain will have a daily service from London Heathrow
- Jeddah scales up to five flights a week from London Heathrow
- Riyadh grows to 14 flights a week from London Heathrow, increasing connectivity between Saudi Arabia and London
- Doha will also grow to 14 flights a week from London Heathrow
In Quotes
British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, Neil Chernoff, said:
“We’re delighted to expand our long-haul network from London Heathrow and Gatwick next summer, adding more services to some of our most-loved destinations.
“Whether customers are travelling for business, leisure, or visiting loved ones, we hope they take advantage of these additional flights, which offer greater choice and convenience, making it easier than ever to connect with their favourite destinations around the world.”
Gains and Losses
There is growth in the British Airways long-haul network as it continues to build, with a business focus on its profitable North American routes as well as the growing Middle Eastern markets (with some big capacity increases on some routes). Meanwhile, leisure routes continue to see growth, with Jamaica and Bangkok seeing boosts.
However, those who prefer to use Gatwick to access New York may be disappointed, as British Airways consolidates its NYLON services between JFK and Heathrow. For those who don’t enjoy the runaround around the M25, it’s some more time at the beginning/end of your journey.
Bookings should be open for these routes, as well as redemption seats for those who have the Avios.
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