British Airways is adding thousands of more seats on important routes from the United States and the European Union to the United Kingdom.
The move followed a “huge increase” in interest in visiting London as a result of the government’s decision to eliminate quarantine rules for fully-vaccinated US and EU clients traveling to the UK.
Within a few hours, British Airways experienced a 95% increase in bookings from the United States, primarily from New York and Los Angeles, but also from European locations such as Berlin, Geneva, and Hamburg.
Beginning August 16th, flights between New York-JFK and London Heathrow will increase to 21 per week (up from 17 per week), and flights between Los Angeles and Chicago will increase to ten per week (up from seven per week).
Flights between Seattle and London Heathrow will increase to seven per week (up from four per week) beginning August 23rd, and flights between Seattle and Los Angeles will increase to 14 per week.
Throughout September, the flag carrier intends to expand its schedule between the United States and the United Kingdom.
Customers from the United States will be able to take advantage of the expanded schedule, as well as American Airlines’ services to the United Kingdom.
Passengers can also connect to British Airways’ wide UK domestic network to cities throughout the remainder of the UK, such as Newquay, Edinburgh, and Belfast, as well as a variety of destinations across Europe, when entry restrictions permit.
Additional flights will be added from European destinations such as Berlin, Geneva, and Hamburg, and itineraries will be evaluated on a regular basis to ensure that the amount of tickets available matches customer demand.
“We are very much looking forward to welcoming new tourists from the US and EU to the UK from today, many of whom will be reconnecting with family members for the first time in many months,” said Sean Doyle, CEO of British Airways.
“This step will also help to improve the British economy and the hospitality industry, which, like aviation, has been decimated by the pandemic’s consequences.
“We will help our consumers as we emerge from this crisis and aim for the establishment of critical transport corridors to allow reciprocal agreements.”
