British Airways returned to Abu Dhabi on April 21, 2024, with the restart of daily services that were paused at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first flight touched down at the city’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) after a six-hour flight from London-Heathrow Airport (LHR) with customers and crew receiving a special welcome from the airport authority to mark the end of the carrier’s four-year hiatus on the route.
British Airways intends to operate its new daily flight from Heathrow to Abu Dhabi year-round using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners with the first flight being flown by 787-9 G-ZBKC. According to the airline’s website, flight BA073 to Abu Dhabi departs London-Heathrow at 22:25, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 08:30 the following morning. The return flight to London (BA072) departs Abu Dhabi at 10:10, arriving at London-Heathrow at 15:20 (all times quoted are local).
“We are really excited to be celebrating our Abu Dhabi route launch,” said Calum Laming, Chief Customer Officer at British Airways. “The new daily flight connects Abu Dhabi with London Heathrow and beyond, providing our customers with another amazing destination within our expansive global network and further growing our connections with the UAE. With four cabins to choose from, including First, we are confident customers will enjoy our exceptional and original British Airways service brought to life by our incredible colleagues.”
“The new route adds to our extensive global network and strengthens connections between UAE and UK – whether customers are traveling for leisure, business or to visit relatives and friends,” he added.
“We extend a warm welcome to British Airways as they start operating at Zayed International Airport with a daily schedule that promises to enrich connectivity and invigorate both business and tourism,” said Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports. “Our new award-winning and cutting-edge terminal offers visitors an unparalleled introduction to the vibrant UAE capital, where they will be greeted with Emirati hospitality at its finest.”
According to ch-aviation, British Airways currently operates a fleet of 18 Boeing 787-9s which each accommodate 216 in a four-class configuration (eight first class, 42 business class, 39 premium economy, and 127 in economy). Alongside the 787-9s, the carrier also operates 12 of the shorter 787-8, and seven of the longer 787-10s with a further 11 on order.
