British Airways launches new daily flight to Abu Dhabi

Route will begin operating next April and a range of promotional fares are available to book now

British Airways will be operating daily flights to Abu Dhabi from April 20, 2024. Reuters

British Airways will launch daily flights to Abu Dhabi next year, following a four-year hiatus.

The route will begin operating on April 20, 2024, serving the UAE’s capital on a year-round basis from London Heathrow and is available to book from today. It will fly in to the new terminal at Abu Dhabi airport which opens in November.

The new flight will be operated by a Boeing 787-9 aircraft. It will boost connectivity to the UAE as it joins flights to neighbouring Dubai which operate up to three times a day from Heathrow.

During summer 2024, the flight BA73 will depart from London Heathrow (LHR) at 10.25pm local time and arrive at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) at 8:30am local time the next day. The flight BA72 will depart AUH at 10:10am local time and arrive at LHR at 3:20pm.

During the winter, the flight will depart from LHR at 10:25pm local time and arrive at AUH at 9:30am local time the next day. Flight BA72 will depart from AUH at 11:10am local time and arrive at LHR at 3:20pm local time.

British Airways is offering celebrating the launch with a range of promotional fares.

“Abu Dhabi is a unique destination that is making a very welcome return to our network,” Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Director of Network and Alliances, said.

“With a blend of beach, city and desert, it has everything our customers are looking for in a Middle Eastern trip, and we look forward to welcoming them back on board as we grow our footprint in the UAE.”

10 UAE desert adventures – in pictures

Hatta is Platinum Heritage conservation guide Karel Claassen's favourite place for off-roading. Photo: Platinum Heritage

March or April is a great time to visit Hatta, where there are numerous hiking trails, says Claassen. Photo: Platinum Heritage

Gabriel Gutsa, recreation manager of The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, says fat biking is a great way to explore the desert and dunes. Photo: The Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert

For Anshar Hamza, tour guide and managing director of Desert Rose Tourism, nothing is more spectacular than a sunset camel ride. Photo: Desert Rose Tourism

Platinum Heritage runs hot air balloon flights with Balloon Adventures until the end of May. Photo: Balloon Adventures

Enjoy the UAE desert from above on a hot air balloon. Photo: Balloon Adventures Dubai

Hamza loves dune bashing in Al Khatim Desert. Photo: Desert Rose Tourism

Dune bashing is one of the UAE's most popular pasttimes. Photo: Desert Rose Tourism

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert hosts guided nature walks. Photo: The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert

Get up close with indigenous creates on a nature walk. Photo: The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert

Kayaking at the Hatta Dam is a popular activity at this time of year. Photo: Platinum Heritage

Love Lake in Al Qudra is a great place to relax at and enjoy desert vistas. Photo: Platinum Heritage

Hamza recommends sandboarding at Al Khatib Desert. Photo: Desert Rose Tourism

Try stargazing in Al Wadi Desert or Sharjah's Mleiha Archaeological Centre. Photo: The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert

“We’re delighted to welcome British Airways back to Abu Dhabi International Airport, adding to the growing list of leading carriers set to use Terminal A as their operational base in Abu Dhabi,” Maureen Bannerman, Abu Dhabi Airports Chief Commercial Officer, said.

“A luxurious new gateway to Abu Dhabi, Terminal A will open to the public from November 1st, offering state-of-the-art facilities for both passengers and airlines.”

British Airways through the years – in pictures

British Airways has been flying for over 100 years. It was founded as Aircraft Transport and Travel Limited in 1919. All photos: Getty Images

A British Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft taking off in 2021

British Airways employees welcome Olympians returning from the Tokyo Olympics at Heathrow Airport in August 2021

A British Airways Boeing 747-400 aircraft arrives at St Athan Airport in Wales in 2020, after setting off for its last flight

A British Union flag flies from the cockpit of a new Airbus A380 aircraft after landing at Heathrow Airport in 2013

Spectators watch as the last Concorde lands at Heathrow Airport in 2003

British Airways Concordes at Glasgow Airport in 1983

David Nicholson, the first chairman of British Airways after the merger of a number of UK airlines, proudly displays a model of the Concorde in 1973

The first Boeing 747 to be operated by the British Overseas Airways Corporation arrives at Heathrow Airport in May 1970

Hawker Siddeley HS 121 Trident 1C medium-range commercial jets for British European Airways at de Havillands Hatfield Aerodrome in 1963

A British Overseas Airways Corporation Comet III aircraft on display at Farnborough in 1954. The British Overseas Airways Corporation was formed in April 1940

Passengers queuing to board a British European Airways Vickers Viking aircraft in 1950

The British Overseas Airways Corporation Short Solent passenger flying boat docks at her new berth near Tower Bridge in London in 1949

A British Overseas Airways Corporation air stewardess brings a tray of coffee to passengers during a Second World War flight in 1945

A British Airways passenger aircraft at Gatwick Airport in 1936

Four Handley Page W10 and one Handley Page W9 Hampstead aircraft operated by Imperial Airways are christened by Lady Maud Hoare, Viscountess Templewood, at Croydon Aerodrome in 1926. Imperial Airways was created in 1924