BA to Colombo, when?

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  • Anonymous
    Guest

    NewBAexec
    Participant

    What is BA waiting for to start flying to Colombo, Sri Lanka again?

    There is so much traffic from the UK to Sri Lanka and BA would do really well on that route and would be the second airline from the UK to fly there direct.

    LGW to CMB would be prefect for both tourism and business.


    Henryp1
    Participant

    Yes NewBAexec this would be terrific as we currently use EK which is time consuming to change at DXB, or direct with UL which is very basic in business class. But I well remember the BA service via Dubai.

    A compromise would be an increased service to Male going onto Colombo, even though currently no 1st class cabins. A service from LGW would be fine.


    Bullfrog
    Participant

    LGW – Colombo … yes please

    Apart from UL .. are there any other non stop or direct flights to Colombo ?


    BlackTower
    Participant

    BA is a business airline and Sri lanka is sadly a leisure destination. Given the competition from middle east carriers I cannot see them flying there

    Should be like Singapore. Here’s hoping its will be with the peace


    VintageKrug
    Participant

    It is my understanding that these routes are being held up purely by a lack of longhaul aircraft.

    The return of the recently furloughed 747s from the desert and the delivery of the new 777ERs are easing the situation, as will the rumoured conversion of some of the 767 fleet from shorthaul to longhaul configuration, later this year.

    Once the A380s (2013..) and especially the 787s (2014….?) come online there will be more capacity for such “long and thin” routes, but it would seem sensible to start them off with 767s from Gatwick to establish a presence in the interim.

    I am certainly up for a trip to Ceylon, and am very keen to fly there on BA.


    NewBAexec
    Participant

    I’m sorry @BlackTower I have to correct you there but BA is also a leisure airline, a premium one. Yes CMB would be both for business and leisure, and that is why this route would fit perfectly in the LGW route network.

    Middle eastern carriers are great but I would rather fly direct with BA to Colombo than having to stop over in Dubai or Doha, etc.

    I do not see how EK would stop BA from operating this route. I will go as far as saying that BA would definitely have the upper hand over Sri Lankan.

    If this flight operates out of LGW, easy access non-stop from London with Gatwick Express, it will be a later check-in, flying east, airport is normally not busy at that time so check-in(BA’s brand new check-in area in the extended North terminal area) and security screening would be a breeze. And a guarantee to take off in time, no a/c queues, etc.

    Bring on CMB from LGW!


    NewBAexec
    Participant

    Followed by a Gatwick-Nassau, Gatwick-Grand Caymans and Gatwick-Providenciales 767 service…

    Colombo would definitely be operated on a 777 as well as Goa and Havana.


    NewBAexec
    Participant

    Rumour also has it that Gatwick-St Kitts service will be direct but on a 767.


    Potakas
    Participant

    Before Colombo, I think they should first introduce some flights to MAD and BCN from LGW, it is more important.


    jet72uk
    Participant

    Yes Blacktower is indeed wrong. Anyway, this route was due to start a while back – ex LGW but there was a complication which is why the start date has been delayed. My guess is Winter 2011 or April 12 start. Lots depend on the 767’s and whether they are in fact going to LGW to run along side 777.

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