British Airways has launched new flights to Colombo, Sri Lanka, as it expands its winter schedule. The airline will introduce new services to multiple destinations from its Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) hubs in 2026 and 2027, including the route to Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
New Colombo Route
The Colombo route began with its inaugural flight from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) on Oct. 23, 2026, arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) on Oct. 24, 2026. The launch ends British Airways‘ ten-year hiatus on the route and restores direct connectivity between the UK and Sri Lanka.
The service will operate three times a week during the upcoming winter season, offering World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and Club World (business class).
Return fares start from 524 pounds (234,064.25 Sri Lankan rupees), including carrier charges, taxes and fees.
Club World customers travelling from LGW to CMB will be offered a limited-edition menu created in partnership with Hoppers restaurants.
British Airways Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, Neil Chernoff, said:
“The launch of our new Colombo service marks an exciting start to our winter schedule and reflects our continued commitment to offer customers more choice across our network.”
Winter Schedule Expansion
British Airways has outlined a wider winter schedule featuring new long-haul routes to:
- Tokyo, Japan
- San José, Costa Rica
- Bridgetown, Barbados
- Kingston, Jamaica
- Cape Town, South Africa
Demand for travel to Australia, driven by popular events like the Australian Open and the Melbourne Grand Prix, will support the launch of a new route to Melbourne (MEL) via Kuala Lumpur (KLIA), beginning Jan. 9, 2027.
World Traveller, World Traveller Plus, Club World and First will be available for flights to Australia, with return fares being priced from 1,110 pounds (AU$2,114.70), including carrier charges, tax and fees.
The airline will also increase seasonal European services. Heathrow (LHR) flights to Cologne (CGN) will operate five times per week, while flights to Nuremberg (NUE) will operate four times per week, coinciding with Christmas Markets and other winter events.
Additional short-haul European destinations with increased frequencies include:
- Gothenburg, Sweden
- Rome and Florence, Italy
- Jersey, Channel Islands
- Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain (which will operate at LHR twice a week)
- Palermo, Italy
- Thessaloniki, Greece
- Geneva, Switzerland
Direct flights to Rovaniemi, Finland will occur twice a week, operated by British Airways Euroflyer from Gatwick (LGW), will run twice weekly between Dec. 4, 2026 and Jan. 4, 2026, giving travellers the opportunity to visit Santa Claus village.
Which of the new long‑haul or seasonal European routes would you be most likely to choose? Let us know in the comments below.
