British Airways, the renowned British airline, is set to significantly expand its flights from Austin to London starting in March 2025. This move comes as a response to the growing demand for transatlantic travel between the two vibrant cities. Currently, British Airways operates a single daily flight between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR). However, this will soon increase to 13 flights per week, with daily flights operating from Monday to Saturday.
Increased Frequency and Timing
Under the new schedule set to commence on March 31, the departure times for the Austin-London flights will undergo a significant change. Presently, flights depart from Austin at 6:05 p.m. local time, arriving in London at 9:35 a.m. the following day. With the expanded service, a new flight will take off at 10:15 p.m. and land in London at 1:40 p.m. the next day. This adjustment aims to cater to a wider range of travelers and provide more flexibility in terms of departure times.
Return flights from London to Austin will also see a shift in timing. While the existing service departs from London at 11:50 a.m. and arrives in Austin at 4 p.m., an additional flight will leave London at 4:05 p.m. and touch down in Austin at 8:20 p.m. This enhanced schedule not only offers more options for travelers but also ensures a seamless travel experience for passengers flying between the two cities.
Enhanced Aircraft and Service
British Airways will operate the Austin-London route using Boeing 787-10 aircraft, commonly referred to as Dreamliners. These state-of-the-art planes feature a dual-aisle configuration and are renowned for their fuel efficiency. The use of the Dreamliner on this route underscores the airline’s commitment to providing passengers with a comfortable and environmentally sustainable travel experience.
Neil Chernoff, the chief planning and strategy officer for British Airways, expressed excitement about the expanded service, stating, “After 10 years of flights between Austin and London, we’re thrilled to be making it even easier for y’all to hop across the pond.” This sentiment reflects the airline’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of travelers and strengthening its presence in the transatlantic market.
Significance of the Route
The launch of the Austin-London route in March 2014 marked a significant milestone for both cities. Mayor Kirk Watson highlighted the route’s importance in positioning Austin as a global destination and connecting the city to the world. He stated, “Establishing transatlantic service marked a pivotal moment in Austin’s growth as a global destination and connected our city to the world.” With the expansion to twice-daily service, Watson emphasized the increased opportunities for the community in terms of business and tourism, underscoring the route’s role in driving Austin’s economy forward.
Despite facing competition on the route, British Airways has remained a dominant player, consistently serving a large portion of travelers flying between Austin and London. In 2023, the airline carried 191,000 passengers on the route, while its competitor, Virgin Atlantic, transported 57,000 passengers. The combined efforts of both airlines resulted in nearly 250,000 passengers traveling between the two cities, highlighting the route’s significance in facilitating transatlantic connectivity.
In recent years, Austin has emerged as a tech hub, attracting a growing number of business travelers to the city. The cancellation of Virgin Atlantic’s nonstop service in January 2024 due to a decline in corporate demand, particularly from the tech sector, further solidified British Airways’ position as the primary carrier on the route. With the expanded flight offerings, British Airways is poised to meet the diverse needs of travelers and capitalize on the burgeoning demand for transatlantic travel.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the resumption of flights between Austin and London in October 2021 signified a return to normalcy for the travel industry. Despite the temporary suspension of flights during the pandemic, the resilience of the Austin-London route underscores its enduring importance in connecting the two cities and fostering economic and cultural exchanges.
As British Airways prepares to increase its flight frequency between Austin and London, travelers can look forward to more options, enhanced convenience, and a seamless travel experience. The expanded service not only reflects the airline’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of passengers but also reinforces the significance of the Austin-London route in facilitating transatlantic connectivity and strengthening ties between the two vibrant cities.
