British Airways’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner landed at Zayed International Airport on April 21, 2024, marking the end of a four-year hiatus.
In a significant move aimed at tapping into the recovering travel market and bolstering its presence in the Middle East, British Airways has announced the resumption of its service to Abu Dhabi after a four-year-long hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and sluggish demand recovery.
The airline will operate daily year-round flights using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, directly competing with Etihad Airways’ services to London. British Airways will utilise Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport for its operations.
Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ director of Network and Alliances, expressed enthusiasm about the return to Abu Dhabi, emphasising the appeal of the destination. “Abu Dhabi is a unique destination that is making a very welcome return to our network. With a blend of beach, city, and desert, it has everything our customers are looking for in a Middle Eastern trip, and we look forward to welcoming them back on board as we grow our footprint in the UAE.”
The resumption of the Abu Dhabi-London route adds to the expanding roster of international carriers operating from Zayed International Airport. London Heathrow stands among the top five destinations for passengers at the airport, with 290,000 passengers flying this route in Q1 2024.
The new daily service meets the growing demand for seamless travel between the global hubs of London and Abu Dhabi.
British Airways’ Return to Abu Dhabi: A Boost for Connectivity and Tourism
Elena Sorlini, managing director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, welcomed British Airways’ return, underlining the significance of the new daily route in enhancing connectivity and stimulating both business and tourism activities between the UAE and the UK.
“Our new award-winning and cutting-edge terminal offers visitors an unparalleled experience to the vibrant UAE capital, where they will be greeted with Emirati hospitality at its finest,” she stated.
Calum Laming, chief customer officer at British Airways, reiterated the airline’s commitment to expanding its global network and strengthening connections with the UAE.
“We are excited to be celebrating our Abu Dhabi route launch. With this new daily service, we aim to provide our customers with even more options for travel between the UK and the UAE, further reinforcing our position as a leading carrier in the region.”
The decision to resume daily flights to Abu Dhabi signals British Airways’ confidence in the gradual recovery of the aviation industry, and underscores the strategic focus on capturing opportunities in key markets, despite ongoing challenges posed by recession recovery.
As international travel continues to rebound, airlines are vying for a competitive edge, with British Airways positioning itself to capitalise on the growing demand for flights on the London-Abu Dhabi route.