The airline adds four new routes, increases capacity across 11 popular long-haul destinations and expands European services for winter sun, ski holidays and Christmas market travel.
British Airways has launched its winter 2026 schedule, introducing flights to Colombo, Sri Lanka, and expanding capacity across its global network. The airline will launch four new routes, welcome its first retrofitted A380 alongside additional aircraft, and increase capacity across 11 popular long-haul destinations. The schedule also includes additional flights to European cities and seasonal services for winter escapes and festive getaways.
British Airways Launches Flights to Colombo
British Airways’ inaugural flight to Sri Lanka departed London Gatwick on 23 October and arrived in Colombo the following day. The milestone service was operated by flight and cabin crew members with personal and family connections to the island. Upon arrival, the aircraft was welcomed by a troupe of traditional Sri Lankan dancers.
The new service will operate three times a week throughout the winter season, connecting London directly with Sri Lanka, known for its beaches, wildlife, culture and cuisine. Passengers can choose from World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and Club World (business class), with return fares starting at £524, including taxes, fees and carrier charges.
Club World passengers travelling from London Gatwick to Colombo will also be offered a limited-edition menu created in collaboration with Hoppers restaurants to mark the launch.
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.”
Increased Capacity for Winter Sun and Melbourne
British Airways is increasing capacity to several popular long-haul destinations, including Cape Town in South Africa, Tokyo in Japan, Bridgetown in Barbados, Kingston in Jamaica and San José in Costa Rica.
The airline will also launch a new route to Melbourne, Australia, on 9 January, operating via Kuala Lumpur. The service will become British Airways’ second route to Australia and coincides with two of Melbourne’s major sporting events, the Australian Open and the Melbourne Grand Prix.
Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, is known for its arts and culture, diverse food scene and coffee culture. The city also provides access to attractions across southern Australia, including the Great Ocean Road, Grampians National Park and the High Country, recognised for its landscapes and wine regions.
Customers travelling to Melbourne can choose from four cabins: World Traveller, World Traveller Plus, Club World and First. Return fares start at £1,110, including taxes, fees and carrier charges.
More European Flights and Seasonal Destinations
The winter schedule includes additional frequencies to European destinations, providing more options for city breaks and seasonal travel. Services to Rome and Florence in Italy, Gothenburg in Sweden, and Jersey in the Channel Islands will see increased frequencies.
Fuerteventura, one of the Canary Islands’ popular year-round sun destinations, will move from London Gatwick to London Heathrow. The route will operate twice weekly from mid-December through April.
Palermo in Italy will become a year-round service, while Thessaloniki in northern Greece will extend its season into November and March. British Airways is also adding seven flights per week to Cairo, increasing the schedule to three daily services to the Egyptian capital.
Expanded Ski Services to Geneva
Geneva remains an important destination for winter sports travellers, with British Airways operating up to 110 flights per week during the peak ski season. Services will depart from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London City, offering access to popular ski resorts across the Alps.
The expanded schedule provides options for families planning ski holidays, travellers seeking weekend breaks on the slopes and those looking for longer mountain stays.
Christmas Markets and Arctic Winter Experiences
British Airways is increasing services to European destinations associated with Christmas markets. Throughout December, the airline will operate up to five weekly flights from London Heathrow to Cologne and four weekly flights to Nuremberg.
Innsbruck, Austria, which is home to seven Christmas markets, will receive 16 weekly flights from London Gatwick and two weekly flights from London City.
The airline will also launch direct flights from London Gatwick to Rovaniemi in Finland, home to the Santa Claus Village. Operated by BA Euroflyer, the service will run twice weekly between 4 December and 4 January, connecting travellers with Finnish Lapland.
The new route complements British Airways’ existing service from London Gatwick to Ivalo in Finland and its now-daily service from London Heathrow to Tromsø in Norway. Together, these services provide additional options for travellers seeking to experience the Northern Lights and the Arctic Circle during the winter season.
