British Airways restarts direct flights to Sri Lanka after two decades
The airline’s inaugural service departed London Gatwick on November 5, 2026, ending a 21-year gap in nonstop routes.
By Jonathan Reed ·
British Airways resumed nonstop flights from London Gatwick to Colombo on November 5, 2026. The inaugural flight marked the return of direct air service after a 21-year hiatus. The route connects the UK capital with Sri Lanka’s capital for the first time since 2005.
The airline last operated direct service to the island in the summer of 2005. At that time, the destination was recovering from the Boxing Day tsunami that struck the region in December 2004. The new schedule allows travelers to bypass connecting flights through other Asian hubs.
British Airways Holidays is bundling the new flights with accommodation packages for early booking. The carrier offers seven-night stays at the five-star Anantara Kalutara resort starting at £2,589 per person. A second option features the Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle resort at £2,569 per person. Both packages include return economy flights, one checked bag per person, and daily breakfast. Travel dates are limited to March 2027. Customers must book by November 30, 2026.
The airline included a 20% discount for stays between November 1, 2026, and October 31, 2027. The packages target tourists seeking direct access to the country’s southern coast. The route serves as a gateway to destinations like Hikkaduwa and Tangalle, areas that have seen significant infrastructure changes since the mid-2000s.
Cyclone Arnab is currently stalling in the Bay of Bengal, affecting weather patterns in the region. Monsoon rains have already arrived in the southern districts, with strong winds and heavy downpours reported. The airline’s schedule coincides with the height of the monsoon season, a period typically associated with increased rainfall in Sri Lanka.
The direct connection reduces travel time for UK residents visiting the island. Previous itineraries required layovers in cities such as Dubai or Singapore. The new service operates from London Gatwick, a hub for many of the carrier’s international leisure routes. The airline did not announce how many weekly flights will operate on the route beyond the inaugural service.
Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has worked to rebuild its international profile following years of economic hardship. The country endured severe inflation and debt crisis issues in the previous decade. The new air link provides a direct marketing tool for the industry. British Airways stated that the route relaunch reflects demand for nonstop travel between the two markets.
