Abu Dhabi: Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi welcomed the first British Airways flight from London this morning, marking the resumption of the route after a four-year pause.
The new route will add to the growing list of international carriers operating from the terminal, further strengthening trade and tourism links between the UAE and the UK.
The new daily flight connecting London and Abu Dhabi responds to the growing demand for further flights connecting the global tourism and business hubs.
According to reports, London Heathrow is one of the top five destinations for passengers at Zayed International Airport, with 290,000 passengers flying this route in the first quarter of 2024.
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, welcomed British Airways to Zayed International Airport, stating that the new route promises to enrich connectivity and invigorate business and tourism between the UAE and the UK. She added that the airport's 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.
Calum Laming, Chief Customer Officer at British Airways, expressed his excitement at the launch of the Abu Dhabi route, which connects Abu Dhabi with London Heathrow and beyond, providing customers with another fantastic destination within the airline's expansive global network. He added that customers could choose from four cabins, including First, and enjoy the airline's exceptional and original British Airways service brought to life by their incredible colleagues.
The UAE and the UK have enjoyed historically long-standing ties, and the launch of daily British Airways flights between Zayed International Airport and London Heathrow further solidifies this relationship, strengthening the cultural and economic bonds between the two countries.