British Airways has begun its winter 2026 schedule with the launch of flights to Colombo, Sri Lanka. The inaugural flight departed London Gatwick on 23 October and arrived in Colombo the following day. The new service operates three times a week throughout the winter season, offering World Traveller, World Traveller Plus, and Club World cabins, with return fares starting from £524.
The airline is also introducing four new routes this winter, including a service to Melbourne, Australia, via Kuala Lumpur starting 9 January. Capacity is being increased on 11 long-haul destinations, including Cape Town, Tokyo, Bridgetown, Kingston, and San José. Additionally, frequencies are rising on European routes such as Rome, Florence, Gothenburg, and Jersey.
Seasonal services are being expanded, with Fuerteventura moving to London Heathrow, Palermo becoming year-round, and Thessaloniki extending its season. Geneva will see up to 110 flights per week during peak ski season. For festive travel, British Airways will operate flights to Cologne, Nuremberg, Innsbruck, and Rovaniemi, Finland, the home of Santa Claus village.
For travellers, the expanded winter schedule offers more direct options to Sri Lanka, Australia, and other long-haul destinations, as well as increased flexibility for European city breaks and winter sports trips. The new routes and added frequencies provide greater choice for those planning holidays or festive getaways.
