British Airways adds winter Colombo flights from London
British Airways has introduced a direct London‑Gatwick to Colombo service operating three times weekly during the winter 2026 season. The route starts this winter and targets UK travellers heading to Sri Lanka, offering economy, premium economy and business cabins with return fares from UKP524.
Dans cet article
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L’essentiel
- What changes
- British Airways adds three weekly winter flights from London Gatwick to Colombo
- Timing
- Service runs throughout the winter season starting in 2026
- Who is affected
- UK travellers seeking direct flights to Sri Lanka
Les détails
- Annoncé par
- British Airways
- Entrée en vigueur
- winter 2026
- Règle précédente
- British Airways previously did not operate a direct service between London and Colombo.
- Nouvelle règle
- British Airways now operates a direct service from London Gatwick to Colombo three times weekly during the winter season, offering economy, premium economy and business class, with return fares starting at UKP524 inclusive of taxes, fees and carrier charges.
New Colombo Service
The inaugural flight left London Gatwick on 23 October and arrived in Colombo the next day, featuring crew members with personal ties to Sri Lanka and a welcome performance by traditional dancers. The route will run three times a week throughout the winter season, connecting passengers directly from the UK to Sri Lanka.
Passengers can choose between World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and Club World (business class). Return fares start from UKP524, which includes all taxes, fees and carrier charges.
- Three weekly departures from London Gatwick
- Cabin options: economy, premium economy, business
- Return fare from UKP524 inclusive of taxes
Winter 2026 Schedule Overview
The Colombo launch is part of British Airways' broader winter 2026 schedule, which adds four new routes, introduces a retrofitted A380, and expands capacity on 11 long‑haul destinations. New services also include a route to Melbourne via Kuala Lumpur and increased frequencies to European cities such as Rome, Florence and Gothenburg.
Capacity boosts affect popular winter sun destinations like Cape Town and Barbados, as well as festive city breaks in Europe. The airline aims to give customers more choice for sunshine, culture, sporting events and Christmas markets throughout the season.
- Four new routes added in winter 2026
- Increased seats on Cape Town, Barbados and European hubs
Booking and Travel Information
Travelers can book the new Colombo flights through British Airways' website, call centre or authorised travel agents. The service departs from London Gatwick, with the option to connect via Heathrow or other UK airports for onward journeys.
All fare classes include taxes, fees and carrier charges in the quoted price. No additional documentation or visa changes are introduced by the airline; standard entry requirements for Sri Lanka still apply.
- Book via BA website or travel agents
- Departures from London Gatwick only
Ce que cela change pour les voyageurs
Préparation du voyage
- New direct flights to Colombo are available three times weekly for travel during the winter season.
- Existing bookings on other British Airways routes remain unchanged.
Coût et documents
- Return fares start from UKP524, covering taxes, fees and carrier charges.
- No new visa or documentation requirements are introduced by the airline.
Ce que vous devez faire
- Check the winter schedule and book seats on the London‑Gatwick to Colombo service if travelling to Sri Lanka.
- Verify that travel dates fall within the winter season when the service operates.
Qui est concerné
-
UK residents traveling to Sri Lanka
A direct London‑Gatwick to Colombo service is now available.
À faire Book seats on the new route through British Airways or a travel agent.
-
Travel agents serving UK customers
British Airways added a sellable product to its winter schedule.
À faire Update inventory and offer the new Colombo flights to clients.
-
Sri Lankan diaspora in the UK
The new direct connection simplifies visits to Sri Lanka.
À faire Plan trips using the three‑weekly winter service.
-
Business travelers needing winter connections
The route provides a convenient business‑class option during winter months.
À faire Consider British Airways for corporate travel to Colombo.
Questions fréquentes
When does British Airways start flights to Colombo?
British Airways began operating the London‑Gatwick to Colombo service in the winter 2026 schedule, with the inaugural flight on 23 October 2026.
How often do the Colombo flights run?
The new route operates three times a week throughout the winter season, providing regular direct connections between the UK and Sri Lanka.
What cabin classes are offered on the Colombo route?
Travelers can choose World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) or Club World (business class) on the London‑Gatwick to Colombo flights.
How much does a return ticket to Colombo cost?
Return fares start from UKP524 and include all taxes, fees and carrier charges for the selected cabin class.
From which London airport does the Colombo service depart?
All Colombo flights depart from London Gatwick Airport as part of British Airways' winter 2026 schedule.
Do I need any new documents to travel to Sri Lanka on this flight?
No additional documentation is required beyond the standard entry requirements for Sri Lanka; the airline has not introduced new visa rules.
