British Airways has confirmed this week that it will cancel flights to Abu Dhabi for the summer 2025 season, eliminating a direct option for passengers travelling to the UAE capital. From late March to October, the route between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi will be unavailable. The move also cancels the planned ‘Avios only’ flights over the Easter holidays, affecting travellers during a busy peak period.
The decision reflects British Airways’ ongoing adjustments to its long-haul network, but it leaves frequent flyers with a conundrum. While BA offers rebooking onto its Dubai flights, this route lacks the appeal of direct access to Abu Dhabi. Travellers in business class especially should think twice about this option. Both Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways provide significantly superior business class experiences, with better seats, service, and connectivity. Passengers booked on British Airways can reroute themselves through these carriers and still claim original routing credit to maintain their Avios and tier points.
British Airways’ decision comes just weeks after announcing their withdrawal from Kuala Lumpur, and less than a year after it resumed Abu Dhabi flights in April 2024 following a four-year hiatus. The airline operates this route with Boeing 787 aircraft, which have faced operational challenges, potentially influencing this latest suspension. However, demand for premium travel to Abu Dhabi remains strong, thanks to the city’s growing appeal as a hub for business and tourism.
For those affected, Etihad’s direct service to Abu Dhabi offers seamless travel, while Qatar Airways provides convenient one-stop options via Doha with its renowned Qsuite product. Both alternatives surpass the comfort and reliability of British Airways’ current route. Importantly, rebooking through these airlines allows you to enjoy better service while preserving your loyalty programme benefits. For first class bookings, the difference is even more striking.
While British Airways cancel their Abu Dhabi flights for the summer, there’s speculation the route may return for the winter 2025 schedule. In the meantime, savvy travellers should explore their options carefully. With Etihad and Qatar providing superior alternatives, it’s clear that the summer suspension doesn’t need to compromise your travel plans – or your points balance. If you’ve been impacted by the cancellation of a flight due to schedule changes, read our article Your Flight Was Cancelled: Know Your Rights.
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