British Airways Expands Long-Haul Frequencies for Summer 2026

British Airways did not announce new routes, but it’s planning to bring back and ramp up service to some of its most in-demand long-haul destinations for summer 2026. This will add more flights and more seats for vacationers planning their next getaway. The boost comes as part of the airline’s broader effort to meet rising demand across leisure and business markets worldwide.

Bangkok: From Seasonal to Year-Round

After a successful reintroduction last year, flights between London Gatwick Airport (LGW) and Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) will shift from a winter-only service to a year-round route. Beginning in summer 2026, the airline will operate 3x weekly, increasing to 6x weekly during the winter season. The upgrade adds nearly 60,000 extra seats annually. British Airways’ expanded codeshare partnership with Bangkok Airways allows for easy connections across Asia.

Jamaica: More Seats to Kingston

In the Caribbean, British Airways will add an extra weekly service between London Gatwick Airport (LGW) and Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport (KIN). This route to Jamaica will run 4x weekly during the summer 2026 season. The move adds more than 300 extra seats per week and supports Jamaica’s ambitious goal of welcoming five million tourists by March 2026.

United States: Expansions Across Key Markets

With everything that is said about tourists not wanting to come to the United States, there must be some demand planned for Americans to go abroad. British Airways plans to bump up the frequency on these routes:

• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS): This route will be doubled to 14x weekly.
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): 1x daily flights to/from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) will return.
• Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS): Frequency will increase from 10x to 13x weekly.
• Miami International Airport (MIA): British Airways will reinstate its 2x daily service from London Heathrow Airport (LHR).
• New York John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Flights will now operate exclusively from London Heathrow Airport (LHR), which consolidates service for easy connections across Europe, the US, and beyond. Heathrow will handle 9x daily flights to New York (including a newly added Boeing 777-200 service featuring First and Club Suite cabins).
• San Diego International Airport (SAN): This route will be doubled to 14x weekly.

Middle East: Stronger Links to the Gulf

British Airways is also increasing flights to the Middle East with the following changes:

• Bahrain International Airport (BAH): Flights to/from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) will increase to daily.
• Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH): Flights expand to 14x weekly.
• Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED): The airport will see 5x weekly flights.
• Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH): Flights here will grow to 14x weekly.

British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, Neil Chernoff, said:

We’re delighted to expand our long-haul network from London Heathrow and Gatwick next summer, adding more services to some of our most-loved destinations. Whether customers are traveling for business, leisure, or visiting loved ones, we hope they take advantage of these additional flights, which offer greater choice and convenience, making it easier than ever to connect with their favorite destinations around the world.”

Anthony’s Take: The increases in US service surprise me, but the rest makes sense. I’ve never flown British Airways long-haul, but have across Europe and have another short flight on the airline this fall.

(Image Credits: British Airways.)