British Airways celebrated their inaugural flight between London Gatwick and Accra in Ghana, which touched down on Sunday at 18:26 local time. The carrier’s first flight to Riga, Latvia in over 15 years also touched down yesterday at 19:05 local time.
On Monday (October 30, 2023), British Airways announced that their inaugural flight between London Gatwick (LGW) and Accra, Ghana touched down at Kotoka International Airport (ACC) at 18:26 local time on Sunday October 29th. The aircraft was greeted with a warm West African welcome as it taxied to the stand in Accra with dancers, drummers and a VIP delegation, including the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson. British Airways’ crew members stepped off the aircraft donning their new uniforms, designed by British-Ghanaian Master Tailor, Ozwald Boateng OBE. The route between Accra and London Gatwick will now operate three times weekly with an Airbus A350, departing Accra at 21:20 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and arriving in London at 04:00. A fourth weekly frequency will be added from April 2024.
In Monday’s route announcement, British Airways’ Director of Networks and Alliances, Neil Chernoff, said,
“With 11 direct flights, across two London gateways, we’re pleased to offer our Ghanaian customers a greater choice of products and prices. Overall, we’re doubling the number of seats between Accra and London, with 55 per cent more capacity next summer versus 2019. We are always looking at routes and regions where there is potential for growth and Accra is one of those routes and Africa is one of those regions.”
British Airways Celebrates the Launch of New Service Between London Gatwick and Accra, Ghana - Courtesy British Airways
In a separate press release today, British Airways also announced the launch of their first flight in over 15 years between London Heathrow (LHR) and Riga International Airport (RIX) in Latvia, which touched down in Riga yesterday at 19:05 local time. For the winter 2023/24 season, flights will operate three times weekly from Heathrow’s Terminal 5 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Flights will operate with a mix of Airbus A320/321s, with return fares from €85/£73 or €1 and 23,500 Avios.
Further commenting on the new Riga route, Neil Chernoff said,
“We’re excited to further strengthen our connections between London and the Baltics and be back in Latvia after such a long time. Riga is a destination we know our customers will love, and we look forward to welcoming leisure and business travellers and those visiting family and friends on board the new service.”
Also commenting on the launch of the new Heathrow-Riga service, Riga Airport’s Director – Aviation Services and Business Development, Liene Freivalde, added,
“British Airways has always been a hugely popular carrier in the Baltics, so this return is warmly welcomed. A direct connection to Heathrow Airport is a fantastic addition to Riga Airport's network and we know it’s already been very positively received by corporate customers in particular. British Airways’ flight from Riga to Heathrow opens up more destinations globally, which is a significant benefit for Baltic passengers.”
British Airways Celebrates the Launch of Inaugural Service Between London Heathrow and Riga, Latvia on Sunday, October 29, 2023 - Courtesy British Airways
Finally, British Airways further announced that last Friday (October27, 2023), their guests at London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 arrivals hall were greeted by the Dalek in celebration of Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary. The Dalek also mysteriously appeared in Departures, surprising guests while checking in for a flight to Skaro, an extra-terrestrial destination that isn’t normally on British Airways’ network. The appearance of London Heathrow’s special guest marks a new partnership between British Airways and BBC Studios to celebrate Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary, and includes a dedicated Doctor Who IFE channel available from November 1st on long-haul flights.
Dalek Surprises and Delights British Airways Customers at London Heathrow to Celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Doctor Who on Friday, October 27, 2023 - Courtesy British Airways
Commenting on the Doctor Who partnership with BBC Studios, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, Calum Laming, said,
“We are really excited to be partnering with the BBC’s Doctor Who to create a dedicated channel on our inflight entertainment system, another fantastic British Original partnership that we know our customers will love. This year alone we have doubled the amount of content available on our in-flight entertainment, and we are committed to continue to bring the best, out of this world, entertainment to the skies.”
Also commenting on the collaboration, BBC Studios’ Head of Marketing, Scripted, Sarah Bold, added,
“Doctor Who has been inspiring and entertaining audiences globally for an incredible 60 years and we couldn’t miss this opportunity to bring two iconic British brands together in style to celebrate. Travellers and subscribers will be able to enjoy a curated collection of content and the tie in will reach millions of people throughout the partnership.”
British Airways is the national flag carrier of the UK and serves over 190 destinations across more than 65 countries, including partner routes. The carrier proudly offers flights to more destinations from London than any other airline, with service from Heathrow, Gatwick and London City airports, including 25 U.S. destinations alone.
Source: British Airways