British Airways has today resumed international short-haul flying from London Gatwick with the first flight departing for Larnaca at 06:25 this morning. The carrier’s European operation at Gatwick had previously been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Tuesday (March 29, 2022), British Airways announced the restart of international short-haul flying from London’s Gatwick Airport today, with the first flight departing for Larnaca at 06:25 this morning. The carrier will also operate flights from Gatwick to Amsterdam, Paphos and Tenerife today. In total, British Airways will serve 35 destinations from Gatwick, with more destinations to be added later this year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline previously suspended their European operation at Gatwick and moved a number of flights to Heathrow. Initially, Gatwick services will operate under the British Airways Air Operators Certificate (AOC), before being transferred to the carrier’s new subsidiary, BA Euroflyer® later this year.
In Today’s announcment, British Airways Euroflyer’s Acting CEO, Tom Stoddart, said,
“Today marks a significant milestone for British Airways as we operate our first European services from Gatwick in two years. I am really proud of what we have created at Gatwick, we have an excellent team with lots of new and exciting talent. I am looking forward in anticipation to see our newest subsidiary grow, adding new routes and providing customers with more options to get away on holiday with a premium British Airways service.”
Also commenting on the resumed service from Gatwick, British Airways Euroflyer Crew Member, Millar Smith, added,
“I was over the moon when I found out that I had been accepted as crew for British Airways, it is my dream job! Before this I worked as a 999 handler for the London Ambulance Service, which has been incredibly useful throughout my training with the airline. British Airways is a premium British airline and that is what excited me about the job role. My first service will be to Tenerife and I can’t wait!”
BA Euroflyer guests will receive the same high level of service they expect from British Airways, including a generous baggage allowance, free water and snacks, free seat selection, and frequent flyer benefits such as lounge access. All of the carrier’s flights will offer a Club Europe (Business Class) cabin, setting BA Euroflyer apart from the ‘no-frills’ competition. Club Europe travelers will enjoy a premium check-in experience, exclusive lounges and a complimentary gourmet meal and bar service onboard. Euro Traveller (Economy) guests can pre-purchase food prior to travel, including fresh options from Tom Kerridge, as part of the airline’s Speedbird Café menu. Customers can also order snacks and drinks onboard via their mobile phone.
Source: British Airways