British Airways has marked the start of its winter 2026 schedule with the highly anticipated launch of flights to Colombo, as it expands choice for customers across its global network. This winter, the airline will launch four new routes, welcome its first retrofitted A380 as well as a number of new aircraft, and increase capacity across 11 popular long-haul destinations. There is also a boost to in-demand European cities and seasonal services for customers to make the most of winter escapes and festive getaways.
Colombo, Sri Lanka
British Airways’ inaugural flight to Sri Lanka departed London Gatwick on 23 October, touching down in Colombo the following day. The milestone flight was operated by flight and cabin crew colleagues with close personal and family connections to the island, and was welcomed upon arrival by a troupe of traditional Sri Lankan dancers.
Operating three times a week throughout the winter season, the new service will connect customers directly from London to Sri Lanka, a destination celebrated for its palm-fringed beaches, extraordinary wildlife, vibrant culture and flavourful cuisine. The route will offer a choice of World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and Club World (business class), with return fares from £524 including taxes, fees and carrier charges. Customers travelling in Club World from London Gatwick to Colombo will be able to enjoy a limited-edition menu in collaboration with Hoppers restaurants to celebrate the new route.
Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said: "The launch of our new Colombo service marks an exciting start to our winter schedule and reflects our continued commitment to offer customers more choice across our network. Alongside opening up inspiring new destinations, we're increasing capacity to some of our most popular long-haul and short-haul routes, from winter sun favourites such as Cape Town and Barbados, to festive city breaks in Europe. Whether customers are seeking sunshine, culture, sporting events or Christmas markets, we're delighted to be expanding the options available to them this season."
Winter sun and new route down under
British Airways is increasing capacity to a host of popular long-haul destinations, including Cape Town (South Africa), Tokyo (Japan), Bridgetown (Barbados), Kingston (Jamaica) and San José (Costa Rica). As well as launching a brand-new route to Melbourne, Australia on 9 January, via Kuala Lumpur.
The launch of British Airways’ second route to Australia, coincides with two of the city's biggest events, the Australian Open and the Melbourne Grand Prix, giving customers a convenient way to travel to Australia's sporting capital.
As the capital of Victoria, Melbourne is renowned for its thriving arts and culture scene, diverse food offering and globally celebrated coffee culture. The city also serves as a gateway to some of southern Australia's most iconic experiences, including the Great Ocean Road, the Grampians National Park and the High Country, home to spectacular scenery and acclaimed wine regions.
Customers can choose from four cabins: World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), Club World (business class) and First. Return fares start from £1,110, including taxes, fees and carrier charges.
European breaks and seasonal getaways
The winter schedule also includes additional frequencies to popular European destinations, so customers can enjoy a greater choice for city breaks and seasonal getaways. Frequencies are increasing to destinations including Rome and Florence in Italy, Gothenburg in Sweden, and Jersey in the Channel Islands.
One of the Canary Islands' most popular year-round sun destinations, Fuerteventura, will move from London Gatwick to London Heathrow, operating twice a week, from mid-December to April. Meanwhile Palermo in Italy becomes a year-round service on the British Airways network, and Thessaloniki in Northern Greece extends its season into November and March, reflecting continued demand for these vibrant Mediterranean cities. In a significant increase to capacity, there will also be seven additional flights per week to Cairo, taking the schedule to Egyptian capital to three per day.
Geneva remains a key destination for customers heading to the slopes this winter, with British Airways operating up to 110 flights a week during the peak ski season. With convenient departures from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London City, customers can enjoy easy access to some of the Alps' most popular ski resorts. Whether planning a family ski holiday, a weekend on the slopes or a longer mountain escape, the airline's extensive schedule offers greater flexibility and choice throughout the winter season.
For customers looking for a festive escape, British Airways will operate up to five flights a week from London Heathrow to Cologne, and four times per week to Nuremberg, throughout December, perfectly timed for the Christmas market season. In addition, Innsbruck in Austria, home to seven charming Christmas markets, will be served 16 times per week from London Gatwick and twice per week from London City.
The airline is also bringing the magic of the Arctic within easy reach this Christmas, with direct flights launching from London Gatwick to Rovaniemi, Finland, the home of the famous Santa Claus village. Operated by BA Euroflyer, flights will depart twice a week to the capital of Finnish Lapland, between 4 December and 4 January. The new route complements the existing service from London Gatwick to Ivalo, Finland and the now daily service from London Heathrow to Tromso, Norway, giving customers even more opportunities to experience the wonder of the Northern Lights and the awe of the Arctic circle.
