British Airways has restarted its flights between London and Abu Dhabi, resuming the route that had been suspended during the pandemic in 2020. The airline commenced its service from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) with the Boeing 787-9.
After a hiatus of four years, British Airways returned to the route. Flightradar24 data indicates that the inaugural flight departed LHR at 22:25 (UTC +1) and arrived at AUH as flight BA73 at 12:10 (UTC +4) on April 20, 2024.
Operated by a Boeing 787-9 registered as G-ZBKC, the aircraft spent over six hours in the sky. The return flight, BA72, departed AUH at 12:28 the next day, landing back in London at 17:24.
Before suspending the route in March 2020, British Airways used Boeing 777 and 787-9 aircraft between LHR and AUH. The airline’s return was announced in October 2023, with daily flights starting April 20, 2024, after a promotional fare period lasting until November 12, 2023.
Neil Chernoff, Director of Network and Alliances at British Airways, expressed enthusiasm for the return to Abu Dhabi, emphasizing the city’s appeal as a unique Middle Eastern destination. Maureen Bannerman, Chief Commercial Officer of AUH, welcomed British Airways back, highlighting the airport’s support for the carrier operating from Terminal A.
British Airways and Etihad Airways are the sole operators on the LHR-AUH route. Cirium data revealed Etihad’s adjustment of weekly flights, replacing Airbus A380 services with Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft.