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British Airways adds Colombo flight to winter schedule
British Airways adds direct winter flights to Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Melbourne, Australia. The Colombo service begins on 23 October from London Gatwick, operating three times weekly, while Melbourne flights start on 9 January. The changes affect travelers planning winter holidays, city breaks or event visits to these destinations.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- British Airways adds Colombo and Melbourne routes to its winter 2026 schedule
- Timing
- Colombo service starts 23 October; Melbourne service starts 9 January
- Who is affected
- Passengers traveling to Sri Lanka or Australia on British Airways
The details
- Announced by
- British Airways
- Takes effect
- 23 October (Colombo) and 9 January (Melbourne)
- New rule
- British Airways will operate a three‑times‑weekly service from London Gatwick to Colombo starting 23 October, and will launch flights to Melbourne from 9 January.
Colombo route launch
The airline introduced a direct connection between London Gatwick and Colombo, Sri Lanka, as part of its winter 2026 timetable. The service operates three times a week, providing a convenient gateway to the island’s beaches, wildlife and cultural sites. The first flight departed on 23 October, marking the start of regular operations for the season.
- Departure airport: London Gatwick
- Frequency: three flights per week
- Target attractions: Sri Lankan beaches, wildlife, heritage
Melbourne route launch
British Airways added a new service to Melbourne, Australia, scheduled to begin on 9 January. The timing aligns with major sporting events such as the Australian Open and the Melbourne Grand Prix, giving travellers direct access to the city’s arts scene and nearby attractions like the Great Ocean Road. The route expands the carrier’s long‑haul winter offering.
- Departure airport: London Gatwick
- Launch date: 9 January
- Key events: Australian Open, Melbourne Grand Prix
Winter schedule enhancements
Beyond the two new long‑haul routes, British Airways increased capacity on several popular destinations, including Cape Town, Tokyo and Bridgetown. Additional frequencies were added to European hubs such as Rome, Florence and Jersey. Seasonal services to traditional Christmas market cities – Cologne, Nuremberg and Innsbruck – also feature in the winter programme, giving travellers more options for festive getaways.
- Capacity boost: Cape Town, Tokyo, Bridgetown
- New European flights: Rome, Florence, Jersey
- Seasonal markets: Cologne, Nuremberg, Innsbruck
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers with existing Colombo bookings should verify dates after the 23 October launch.
- Passengers planning Melbourne visits can now book flights for travel after 9 January.
- No changes are announced for existing bookings on other winter routes.
- Holidaymakers may consider the new Christmas market services to Cologne, Nuremberg and Innsbruck.
Cost and documents
- No additional fees were announced for the new Colombo or Melbourne routes.
- Visa and passport requirements remain those normally required for UK‑Sri Lanka and UK‑Australia travel.
What you need to do
- Check the British Airways website for seat availability on the Colombo service after 23 October.
- Book Melbourne flights for dates after 9 January if attending the Australian Open or Grand Prix.
- Review current visa rules for Sri Lanka and Australia before travel.
Who this affects
-
Passengers to Colombo, Sri Lanka
A new direct service from London Gatwick starts on 23 October.
What to do Can book seats on the three‑times‑weekly Colombo flight.
-
Passengers to Melbourne, Australia
A new route launches on 9 January, timed for major sporting events.
What to do Can book seats on the new Melbourne service.
-
Winter holiday travellers to European Christmas markets
Seasonal services added to Cologne, Nuremberg and Innsbruck.
What to do May include these cities in festive travel plans.
-
Travelers to Cape Town, Tokyo, Bridgetown
British Airways increased capacity on these popular destinations.
Frequently asked questions
When does British Airways start flying to Colombo?
British Airways begins its three‑times‑weekly Colombo service on 23 October, departing from London Gatwick.
How often does the new Colombo flight operate?
The Colombo route runs three times per week, providing regular connections throughout the winter season.
When will the new British Airways Melbourne flights begin?
The Melbourne service launches on 9 January, ahead of the Australian Open and the Melbourne Grand Prix.
Are there extra fees for the new winter routes?
The airline did not announce any additional charges for the Colombo or Melbourne routes; standard fare rules apply.
Which European cities have new seasonal services this winter?
British Airways added seasonal flights to the Christmas market destinations of Cologne, Nuremberg and Innsbruck as part of its winter timetable.
How can I book the new Colombo or Melbourne flights?
Bookings can be made through the British Airways website or authorised travel agents once the services are listed after their respective launch dates.
