Thursday, July 10, 2025
In an exciting move, British Airways (BA) is set to bolster its short-haul network with the addition of three new destinations for Winter 2025. The new routes will offer travelers enhanced connectivity between key European and North African cities and London’s major airports, marking a significant expansion of the airline’s regional offerings.
From November and December 2025, BA Euroflyer and BA Cityflyer, British Airways’ two regional subsidiaries, will launch direct flights to Rabat, Graz, and Madrid. These cities will be served from London Gatwick (LGW) and London City Airport (LCY), catering to both leisure and business travelers. This expansion forms part of British Airways’ strategy to diversify its short-haul network and enhance access from its prominent London hubs.
New Routes and Strategic Expansion
With the launch of these new services, British Airways aims to provide more travel options for passengers, making it easier than ever to explore Europe and North Africa from the heart of the UK.
- Gatwick to Rabat (Morocco): Beginning in November 2025, BA Euroflyer will operate twice-weekly flights between London Gatwick (LGW) and Rabat (RBA). This makes Rabat the third Moroccan destination in BA’s portfolio, joining Marrakech and Agadir. As Morocco continues to experience a surge in tourism—68% more visitors compared to 2019—this new connection offers British travelers another gateway to explore the rich culture and history of Morocco’s capital. Flights will be operated using the Airbus A320 aircraft, with fares starting from £70 each way, taxes and fees included.
- Gatwick to Graz (Austria): Starting 21 November 2025, BA Euroflyer will also begin flights to Graz, Austria. With three weekly services on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, this is the only direct route between London and Graz. The service is set to be a hit for both leisure travelers and business visitors, as Graz is famous for its UNESCO-listed old town, festive Christmas markets, and vibrant summer outdoor activities. One-way fares for this route will begin at £60.
- City Airport to Madrid (Spain): BA Cityflyer will operate 11 weekly flights from London City Airport (LCY) to Madrid (MAD), starting 1 December 2025. This expansion adds to the already strong offerings from London Heathrow, bringing the total to 44 weekly flights between London and Madrid. These flights will cater to both business and leisure passengers, with convenient timings for those making onward connections, particularly to South American destinations like Bogotá, Montevideo, and Lima. Fares for the LCY–MAD route will start from £78.
Enhanced Services and Premium Travel Experience
All of the newly introduced routes will feature Club Europe, the short-haul business class offering from British Airways. Club Europe passengers can expect upgraded services, including full meals, drinks, lounge access (where available), and increased baggage allowance. This upgrade reflects British Airways’ commitment to ensuring that premium customers enjoy a superior travel experience on short-haul flights.
Moreover, the lounge at London Gatwick has recently undergone a refurbishment, featuring modern furnishings and a new bar, further enhancing the travel experience for business and first-class passengers.
Destination Highlights
- Rabat, Morocco: The capital of Morocco, Rabat offers an enticing mix of modernity and tradition, featuring scenic beaches, rich cultural landmarks, and bustling souks. With Morocco seeing a tourism surge, the new route to Rabat is timely, providing direct access to the capital’s diverse attractions. Whether travelers are visiting the Kasbah of the Udayas, strolling along the Bouregreg River, or indulging in the city’s flavorful cuisine, Rabat promises a unique and enriching experience.
- Graz, Austria: Known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town, Graz is an ideal destination for those seeking cultural immersion. The city is also home to the famous Graz Christmas markets, where visitors can experience the traditional Austrian holiday atmosphere. During the summer months, the Styrian countryside offers a range of outdoor activities, making Graz a year-round holiday option. This new route is particularly exciting for those looking to explore Austria’s cultural heritage beyond the better-known cities of Vienna and Salzburg.
- Madrid, Spain: Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a hub for culture, art, and history. Visitors can explore world-class museums like the Prado Museum, enjoy a vibrant culinary scene, and take in the rich heritage of the Royal Palace and Retiro Park. The new flights from London City Airport provide enhanced connectivity to Spain’s capital, making it easier for travelers to visit Madrid for both business and leisure purposes.
Improving Connectivity
With the launch of these new routes, British Airways is strengthening its presence in Europe and North Africa, ensuring that travelers from London can easily access culturally rich and commercially important destinations. The Gatwick and City Airport flights also meet the growing demand for travel from London’s secondary airports, which offer convenient access to the city center and avoid the busier environment of London Heathrow.
BA’s Commitment to Growth
These new routes reflect British Airways’ commitment to growing its network and providing more options to its customers. The airline continues to explore opportunities to diversify its offerings and cater to the evolving needs of its passengers, whether they are traveling for business or leisure.
With the airline’s extensive network and competitive pricing, passengers can now look forward to easy access to some of Europe’s most popular destinations, as well as vibrant cities in North Africa. British Airways continues to focus on improving its customer service, with additional benefits such as premium lounges and better baggage allowances for those traveling in Club Europe.
The Future of British Airways
As the airline expands its reach to new destinations, British Airways is poised to remain at the forefront of the aviation industry. With new routes and a renewed focus on customer service, BA is setting the standard for short-haul travel in Europe and North Africa. These strategic expansions are only the beginning, as British Airways seeks to offer even more travel options for its global customer base.
British Airways has long been known for its world-class service and extensive network, and with these new routes, the airline is ensuring that its passengers have access to more destinations and more ways to enjoy the airline’s premium offerings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, British Airways’ expansion into Rabat, Graz, and Madrid reflects its ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, convenient, and affordable travel options for its customers. With these new routes, passengers will benefit from enhanced service, greater flexibility, and access to some of the most beautiful and culturally rich destinations in Europe and North Africa. Whether you’re flying for business, leisure, or connecting to another international destination, British Airways continues to offer a top-tier travel experience.
Stay tuned for more updates on British Airways’ route network, and don’t forget to follow us on social media for the latest news in aviation.
Tags: Airline News, Austria tourism news, british airways, Europe, graz, london, london city, London Gatwick, Madrid, Morocco Tourism News, Rabat, Spain Tourism News, Travel News