British Airways (BA) is making a strategic change to its summer 2025 flight schedule, announcing the cessation of operations from Southampton Airport on England’s southern coast. BA CityFlyer, the subsidiary operating these routes, currently offers weekend flights to various destinations during the summer months, including Bergerac in France, Faro in Portugal, and the Spanish cities of Malaga and Palma de Majorca. Additionally, during the winter season, the airline flies to Bergerac and Chambery in France.
According to OAG Schedules Analyser data for September 2024, BA currently holds a 3% market share at Southampton Airport, making it the seventh largest operator. In contrast, EasyJet leads the pack with a 21.5% market share, followed by Blue Islands at 20.3% and Aer Lingus, another BA subsidiary, at 18.1%.
Currently, BA is the sole airline offering direct flights to Bergerac and Malaga from Southampton. However, it faces competition from EasyJet on its Faro and Palma routes. Interestingly, Ryanair operates flights to all four cities from Bournemouth Airport, which is located nearby. TUI Airways also offers flights to Palma from Bournemouth. Further bolstering Bournemouth’s presence, Jet2.com is set to establish a base there next summer, offering services to Faro and Palma.
BA’s decision to withdraw from Southampton follows a year after the airport underwent a significant runway extension. The extension, stretching 164 meters (538 feet) at the northern end, has enabled the airport to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, fully loaded. This is a major upgrade from the previously capable regional or crossover aircraft like ATR, De Havilland Canada turboprops, or Embraer E-Jets. This shift suggests a potential strategic move towards a larger hub operation at another airport, possibly Bournemouth, where other airlines have expanded their presence. This decision will undoubtedly impact travelers seeking direct flights from Southampton, but the expanding air travel options at Bournemouth may offer alternative routes for those looking to reach these destinations.
