British Airways has launched a seasonal direct service between London Gatwick and Colombo, restoring a non-stop connection between the UK and Sri Lanka for the 2026–27 winter season.
The airline’s inaugural flight, BA2045, departed London Gatwick on 23 October and arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo the following day. British Airways confirmed the launch in an announcement marking the start of its expanded winter schedule.
The route operates three times a week, with flights from Gatwick scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The return service from Colombo operates on the same three-day pattern. The route is scheduled to operate during the winter season only.
British Airways is operating the service with a Boeing 777 and offering three cabins: World Traveller economy, World Traveller Plus premium economy and Club World business class. The route gives UK travellers a direct option to reach Sri Lanka without connecting through the Gulf or another Asian hub.
The launch also includes a food partnership with London-based Sri Lankan and South Indian restaurant group Hoppers. A limited-edition Hoppers menu is being offered to Club World passengers travelling from Gatwick to Colombo until 30 December.
The service adds capacity to Sri Lanka during the island’s winter tourism season, when demand from European markets traditionally increases. British Airways has not published a passenger forecast for the route, but the three-weekly schedule provides additional direct access for leisure travellers, visiting-friends-and-relatives traffic and business passengers.
The Colombo service forms part of a wider British Airways winter programme that includes four new routes and additional flights on several existing long-haul services.
