British Airways has launched its winter 2026/27 programme with a seasonal London Gatwick–Colombo route and a new London Heathrow–Melbourne service via Kuala Lumpur. Colombo flights began on 23 October and operate three times weekly with economy, premium-economy and business-class cabins. Melbourne services are scheduled to start on 9 January 2027, giving British Airways a second Australian destination with daily year-round flights and four cabins, including First Class.
The Colombo service departed Gatwick for the first time on 23 October and arrived in Sri Lanka the following day. The route will operate during the winter season, using Boeing 777 aircraft and offering World Traveller, World Traveller Plus and Club World cabins.
The Melbourne service will operate via Kuala Lumpur from Heathrow, rather than nonstop, using Boeing 787 aircraft. Its launch is timed ahead of the Australian Open and Melbourne Grand Prix. British Airways is also increasing capacity on 11 long-haul destinations, including Cape Town, Tokyo, Bridgetown, Kingston and San José, while adding further European flights to its winter schedule.