British Airways has announced the resumption of its popular London-Riyadh route, effective November 4, 2024. This exciting development will strengthen ties between the UK and Saudi Arabia and offer travelers convenient access to both countries. With four flights per week, the route will complement existing daily flights between Riyadh and London Heathrow, enhancing connectivity and fostering closer business and cultural exchange.
British Airways’ launch of new routes from Southampton Airport highlights a strategic shift in the airline industry towards enhancing connectivity from regional airports. This trend of global airlines diversifying their bases of operations to include smaller, local airports is transforming global air travel dynamics, making travel more accessible and reducing congestion at major hubs. Airlines like British Airways are tapping into the travel demands of regions outside major cities, offering flights from local airports for greater convenience and reducing the need for additional travel to larger airports. This decentralization not only benefits passengers but also helps distribute tourist traffic more evenly across different destinations.
British Airways has launched its Customer Access Advisory Panel, a pioneering initiative to engage community members with accessibility needs. This independent panel comprises individuals with diverse disabilities who will provide invaluable feedback on the airline’s products and services, ensuring inclusivity and seamless experiences for all customers.
A recent study by consumer group Which? found that budget airlines Ryanair and Wizz Air can actually be more expensive than British Airways when extra costs, such as cabin baggage and seat selection, are taken into account. The study analyzed prices for return flights from London airports to Malaga, Athens, and Naples and found that British Airways had the lowest total price for Naples flights and was the second cheapest for Malaga flights. Ryanair and Wizz Air failed to return the lowest price on any occasion when the cost of a cabin bag and seat selection were included. The study also found that unavoidable hidden charges for online consumers, known as “drip pricing,” are to be banned under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill. However, optional extras, such as fees for seat selection, are not included in the legislation, which has led Which? to call for them to be covered.
