British Airways Lands in Colombo After 10 Years as Gatwick Flights Begin Three Times Weekly

British Airways Lands in Colombo After 10 Years as Gatwick Flights Begin Three Times Weekly

British Airways’ first flight back to Sri Lanka arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport on Saturday, 24 October 2026. Photograph: Colombo Tribune.

British Airways has resumed flights to Sri Lanka after a 10-year break, with its first aircraft landing at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake on Saturday morning, 24 October 2026. The arrival marked the start of a seasonal service between London Gatwick and Colombo, adding a second London airport to the nonstop options available to travellers.

Flight BA2045, operated by a Boeing 777-200ER, travelled from Gatwick to Colombo. British Airways plans to operate the route three times a week during its winter schedule. For Sri Lankans living in the United Kingdom, families with relatives in either country and visitors planning a winter-season trip, the new service provides an additional direct connection to consider alongside existing flights.

A new Gatwick–Colombo timetable

According to the airline’s published schedule, flights from Gatwick are set to depart at 5.30 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, arriving in Colombo at 9.00 am the following day. The return flight leaves Colombo at 11.00 am and is scheduled to land at Gatwick at 5.00 pm. As the outbound service arrives the next morning, the corresponding Colombo departures fall on the following calendar days.

The route is planned as a seasonal service during the winter schedule, rather than a year-round operation. Passengers can book economy, premium economy and business class seats. Travellers should confirm current operating dates, schedules and availability directly with the airline or a travel agent before making plans, as seasonal timetables may vary.

The overnight Gatwick departure and morning arrival in Colombo may suit passengers looking to reach Sri Lanka early in the day, while the daytime return provides another option for journeys back to Britain. The three weekly services establish specific travel days across the week, so the route may offer useful flexibility, although it will not serve every departure date.

An AI-generated illustration based on the story, showing a flight connection between the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka.

What the new service means for families and visitors

For Sri Lankans living in the United Kingdom and families with relatives there, the most immediate change is an additional nonstop choice between London and Colombo. British Airways’ service uses Gatwick, while SriLankan Airlines also operates between Colombo and London, using Heathrow. The two London airports give passengers another point of comparison when choosing flight times, airport locations and onward travel arrangements.

That distinction can matter in a city served by more than one major airport. Passengers may need to consider how easily they can reach Gatwick or Heathrow, as well as connections to their final destination in the United Kingdom. For travellers continuing beyond London, the airport used can affect ground transport and connecting arrangements. The addition of Gatwick does not remove the need to compare the whole journey, but it widens the choice available.

The winter-season timing is relevant to travellers considering visits during the months when many people travel to Sri Lanka and families may arrange holidays together. Three weekly flights add a further scheduled option during that period. However, the service is seasonal, and passengers should check the airline’s current timetable rather than assume the route will operate throughout the year.

Additional seats on a route can influence fares, but British Airways has not published a fare comparison showing how the new service may affect ticket prices. Travellers should check current prices and dates through the airline’s website or a travel agent, and compare the full journey, including airport location and any onward transport costs.

An AI-generated illustration based on the story, reflecting the family connections supported by direct air links.

Local ticketing through Advantis Aviation Services

Advantis Aviation Services, a subsidiary of Sri Lanka’s Hayleys Group, will represent British Airways in Sri Lanka as its General Sales Agent (GSA). A GSA provides local representation for an airline in a market where it does not have its own office, and can handle ticket sales and booking enquiries on the airline’s behalf.

For passengers booking in Sri Lanka, tickets can be arranged through Advantis Aviation Services. The local agency provides a point of contact for sales and bookings as the new service begins, while the airline operates the flights between Gatwick and Colombo.

A seasonal link for tourism and business

The United Kingdom is one of Sri Lanka’s key tourist markets, and the new route is expected to support the country’s tourism industry during the winter season. Direct air links also serve business travel and are expected to strengthen trade, tourism and people-to-people connections between the two countries.

The return of British Airways to Colombo is significant beyond the first aircraft’s arrival: the service restores an airline connection after a decade-long gap and adds another route option to a market with established travel and family ties. For Sri Lanka, a seasonal Gatwick service offers additional connectivity during a period when visitors and returning family members may be planning journeys.

British Airways has also partnered with Hoppers London on a limited-time Sri Lankan-inspired Club World menu on the route through 30 December. eLanka covered the collaboration in its earlier article, and this follow-up focuses on the first arrival and what the new service means for travellers rather than repeating the menu details.

The first landing at BIA marks the practical start of the route. For passengers, the key considerations are the seasonal schedule, the three weekly departures, the choice of Gatwick alongside Heathrow services, and the need to confirm fares and dates before booking. For families planning a journey home this festive season, it brings another nonstop option into view; for Sri Lanka’s tourism and business sectors, it adds a further connection to the United Kingdom.

This article was written based on the sources https://colombotribune.com/british-airways-returns-to-colombo-after-10-years/ and https://www.ft.lk/lifestyle/Sri-Lankan-flavours-take-flight-as-British-Airways-partners-with-Hoppers-London-on-new-Colombo-route/8-799086, kindly email us at info@eLanka.com.au if any information needs to be corrected.

eLanka Disclaimer

Content published on eLanka may be created by the eLanka team, submitted by contributors or third parties, reproduced or adapted from other sources with appropriate source acknowledgement, or provided as promotional/advertising material by our clients. While eLanka takes reasonable care in preparing and publishing content, we do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. Views expressed are those of the respective authors or contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of eLanka. Third-party contributors, content providers and advertisers are responsible for the accuracy of material they supply and for ensuring they hold the necessary rights and permissions for its publication. Advertising and promotional content should not be regarded as an endorsement by eLanka of any product, service or claim.