British Airways Launches New London Gatwick to Colombo Route

British Airways officially commenced its new winter 2026 schedule with the launch of a direct route connecting London Gatwick (LGW) and Colombo (CMB). The service, which began on October 24, 2026, operates three times per week. This expansion is part of a broader strategy by the airline to increase capacity across 11 long-haul destinations and introduce new aircraft to its fleet for the winter season. The route is designed to cater to the growing demand for travel to Sri Lanka, a market known for its diverse tourism offerings, including wildlife, beaches, and cultural heritage.

To mark the launch, British Airways has partnered with Hoppers restaurants to offer a limited-edition menu for passengers in the Club World (business class) cabin. This collaboration highlights the airline's focus on enhancing the premium travel experience on its new long-haul connections. The introduction of this route provides a significant boost to connectivity between the UK and South Asia, offering travellers more flexibility and choice during the winter months.

This new service primarily benefits leisure travellers from the UK seeking direct access to Sri Lanka for winter holidays. It also provides improved connectivity for business travellers and those visiting friends and relatives in the region.

Makutet expects this route to perform strongly given the rising interest in Sri Lanka as a year-round destination for European travellers. By utilizing London Gatwick as the departure point, British Airways is effectively positioning itself to capture a larger share of the leisure-focused long-haul market, potentially putting pressure on other carriers operating similar routes to the region.