British Airways (BA) has announced that it will cease operating flights between London Gatwick and New York JFK from 25 October 2025, bringing an end to its seasonal summer-only service. Instead, the airline will consolidate all New York operations at Heathrow, where it currently runs eight daily flights to JFK. This will increase to nine daily flights from summer 2026, with the latest service operated on its Boeing 777-200 fleet featuring First and Club Suite cabins.
While the Gatwick–New York link is being withdrawn, British Airways is simultaneously investing heavily in expanding other long-haul routes from both Heathrow and Gatwick, with new frequencies and destinations confirmed for summer 2026.
Expanded Long-Haul Network
The airline has unveiled an ambitious growth plan that includes increased capacity to the Caribbean, United States, Middle East, and Asia.
- Bangkok
Flights from Gatwick to Bangkok, introduced as a winter service last year, will become a year-round route. From summer 2026, BA will operate three flights per week during the summer and six per week in the winter. This represents an additional 60,000 seats added to Bangkok for next year. With its extended codeshare partnership with Bangkok Airways, customers can now connect easily to regional hubs such as Phuket and Phnom Penh. - Jamaica
An additional weekly service will operate between Gatwick and Kingston, bringing the total to four flights per week in summer 2026. This will add more than 300 extra seats each week between London and Jamaica. - United States
BA will reinstate its double-daily Heathrow–Miami service, alongside its daily flights to Dallas-Fort Worth. Heathrow–Las Vegas flights will increase from 10 to 13 per week, while services to San Diego and Austin will rise to 14 flights per week each. - Middle East
Capacity is also being boosted in the Gulf region. Heathrow–Bahrain flights will become daily, more than doubling the current schedule. Connectivity to Saudi Arabia will improve with five weekly flights to Jeddah and 14 to Riyadh, while Doha will also see a double-daily service.
Industry Response
Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said the changes reflect customer demand:
“We’re adding more services to some of our most-loved destinations, giving our customers greater choice and flexibility. Whether travelling for business or leisure, these expansions ensure that British Airways continues to offer one of the most comprehensive long-haul networks from London.”
What This Means for Travellers
- Gatwick passengers heading to New York will need to travel via Heathrow for direct flights to JFK from winter 2025.
- The Heathrow–JFK route will remain BA’s flagship transatlantic service, offering more daily flights than any other airline.
- Holidaymakers will benefit from greater choice to popular leisure destinations, particularly Bangkok, Jamaica, Miami, and the Middle East.
With a strong focus on both premium business routes and leisure travel, these adjustments underline BA’s strategy to balance corporate and holiday markets across its network.
