BA flight 2157 from Gatwick touched down at Queen Beatrix International airport in Aruba’s capital Oranjested on Sunday afternoon (26 March).

BA will operate the route twice a week on Thursday and Sundays, via Antigua, using a three-cabin Boeing 777-200 aircraft offering Club (business), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and World Traveller (economy).

Flights will depart Gatwick at 10am, arriving in Aruba at 5pm local time. Returns will depart Aruba at 6.30pm, arriving into Gatwick at 10.25am the following day. Flights are timed at 11 hours 30 minutes including the short stop in Antigua.

Aruba’s minister of tourism, Danguillaume Oduber, said the new service came as a "significant milestone in the history of Aruba’s tourism industry".

“We are thrilled to welcome the inaugural British Airways flight from London," said Oduber. "And we are excited to strengthen our connection to the UK market with this new flight."

The inaugural service was a special moment for BA crew member Arelis Spanner, who was born and raised in Aruba. "I’m so proud British Airways is flying to my home country and to be able to travel on the inaugural flight has been an amazing homecoming," she said.

Julian Welham, BA senior vice-president – Americas, said the carrier’s links to the Caribbean had never been stronger. "We’re proud to be the only airline to offer direct flights from Aruba to London," he added.