British Airways has resumed flights from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi, following a four-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
The year-round daily route is operated by a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with flights departing LHR at 2225 and arriving at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport at 0830 the following day. The inbound flight departs the UAE capital at 1010, arriving at LHR at 1520.
The flights complement the carrier’s service to Dubai, which operates up to three-times-daily.
Calum Laming, chief customer officer at British Airways, said:
“We are really excited to be celebrating our Abu Dhabi route launch. The new daily flight connects Abu Dhabi with London Heathrow and beyond, providing our customers with another amazing destination within our expansive global network and further growing our connections with the UAE…
“And on a personal level, it is an honour to return to the fantastic city and Emirate of Abu Dhabi where I was lucky to live for the best part of a decade.”
Elena Sorlini, managing director and CEO at Abu Dhabi Airports, added:
“We extend a warm welcome to British Airways as they start operating at Zayed International Airport with a daily schedule that promises to enrich connectivity and invigorate both business and tourism. Our new award-winning and cutting-edge terminal offers visitors an unparalleled introduction to the vibrant UAE capital, where they will be greeted with Emirati hospitality at its finest.”
British Airways will be competing with the UAE’s national carrier Etihad on the route.
Earlier this year, BA revealed various initiatives as part of its £7 billion transformation plan over the next two years, including route resumptions, free onboard messaging for Executive Club members and new short-haul seats.