Austin Welcomes Increased Flights to London with British Airways
AUSTIN — Starting in March 2025, British Airways will almost double its flight offerings from Austin to London. This is exciting news for local travelers looking to cross the pond. Currently, the airline operates just one flight each day from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to London Heathrow (LHR), but this will change significantly.
Flight Schedule Changes
Beginning on March 31, 2025, British Airways plans to operate 13 flights a week, with daily flights available from Monday to Saturday. The existing flight leaves Austin every evening at 6:05 p.m. and arrives in London at 9:35 a.m. the next day. The new service will take off later in the evening at 10:15 p.m., getting into London at 1:40 p.m. the following day. This means that travelers will have more options to choose from when scheduling their trips.
When returning from London, passengers will have two options as well. The new return flight will take off from London at 4:05 p.m. and arrive back in Austin at 8:20 p.m., while the existing service still departs London at 11:50 a.m. and lands in Austin at 4 p.m.
Significance of the Route
The AUS-LHR route has been in operation since March 2014. It closed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic for 17 months, but flights resumed in October 2021. British Airways Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, Neil Chernoff, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming changes. “After 10 years of flights between Austin and London, we’re thrilled to be making it even easier for y’all to hop across the pond,” Chernoff stated in a recent press release.
The airline will use modern Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft on this route, which are known for their fuel efficiency and spacious dual-aisle configuration. This enhancement in aircraft will likely contribute to a more comfortable flying experience for passengers.
A Boost for Austin
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson emphasized the positive impact the flights have had on the city. “When British Airways launched this route ten years ago, it put Austin on the map for international travel. Establishing transatlantic service marked a pivotal moment in Austin’s growth as a global destination and connected our city to the world,” he remarked in the press release. The expansion of service to twice daily flights is expected to create new business and tourism opportunities, further enhancing Austin’s global presence.
Competition on the Route
While British Airways has had a strong foothold in the market, they faced competition from fellow British airline Virgin Atlantic. Virgin began providing nonstop service between Austin and London in May 2022 but eventually canceled the route in January 2024. The airline cited a decline in corporate demand, especially in the tech sector, as the main reason for pulling out. Together, the two airlines were responsible for transporting nearly 250,000 passengers between Austin and London in 2023, with 191,000 flying with British Airways and 57,000 with Virgin Atlantic.
So far in 2024, British Airways has seen more than 110,000 passengers travel on this route in just the first seven months. As demand for international air travel continues to grow, this increased service will be a welcome addition for many in the community.
With British Airways expanding its offerings, Austin residents can look forward to more convenient flight options, making trips to London easier than ever.
