Three airlines have upped their commitment to the UK’s hub airport – British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Vueling.
The six new routes are Abu Dhabi, Kos and Izmir (British Airways), Bangalore (Virgin Atlantic) and Barcelona and Paris-Orly (Vueling), with Paris set to host the 2024 Olympic Games.
Heathrow’s summer season will formally get under way this coming Easter weekend (31 March).
Ross Baker, Heathrow’s chief commercial officer, said the six new routes would contribute to what the airport anticipates will be a record year for passenger numbers, one likely to surpass last year’s 79 million and 2019’s record 80.9 million.
“This summer, passengers will have even more options to enjoy the sun,” said Baker. “We are bringing back popular destinations such as Kos and Izmir, and the additional service to Bangalore and Abu Dhabi opens more opportunities for businesses across the UK. I am sure these new routes will prove popular this summer.”
Virgin Atlantic’s Bangalore route will take off on Sunday (31 March), followed by Vueling’s flights to Barcelona and Paris-Orly on 7 April. These will be followed by BA’s Abu Dhabi route on 20 April, and then Kos and Izmir – both launching on 18 May.
