British Airways resumes London Gatwick–Colombo service

British Airways has resumed services to Sri Lanka after a decade, with its first aircraft arriving at Colombo International Airport (CMB) on Saturday, 24 October. 

British Airways will operate the direct London Gatwick–Colombo service three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, using the Boeing 777-200ER. Flight BA2045 departs Gatwick at 16:40 local time and arrives in Colombo at 08:35 the following day. The return flight, BA2044, departs Colombo at 10:35 local time and arrives at Gatwick at 17:00.

The inaugural outbound flight, BA2045, departed London Gatwick at around 6:18 pm on 23 October and arrived in Colombo at around 9 am on 24 October, completing the journey in approximately 10 hours and 11 minutes.

The airline said passengers can choose from three cabins: World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), and Club World (business class). Return fares start at £524, including taxes and carrier fees.

The renewed connection is expected to benefit Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, particularly given the importance of the UK market. The service will also facilitate business travel and support closer economic and people-to-people ties. 

British Airways partnered with Hoppers, a London-based group of Sri Lankan and South Indian restaurants, to mark the launch of its new Colombo route. The airline said that from 23 October, Club World passengers travelling on the route can enjoy a special menu created in collaboration with Hoppers, featuring flavours inspired by Sri Lankan cuisine. A specially created Hoppers cocktail will also be available to passengers in the British Airways Club Lounge at London Gatwick before departure.

According to the Newswire, Advantis Aviation Services, a subsidiary of Sri Lanka’s Hayleys Group, will serve as British Airways’ general sales agent (GSA) in the country. The airline reported a more than 10% rise in searches for flights from London to Colombo on its website over the past week, pointing to continued demand for the destination.