British Airways is making some serious moves in 2025, adding new and returning routes that stretch its wingspan from London to Asia and Europe. Sardinia’s Olbia, Japan’s Tokyo, Georgia’s Tbilisi, and Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur are now on the board.
It’s more than just a network expansion. It’s a strategic play to reconnect Brits with sun-kissed beaches, buzzing Asian capitals, and ancient cultural hubs — just in time for peak travel season.
A Shortcut to the Costa Smeralda, With Espresso On Arrival
Let’s talk Olbia — that Sardinian gem with beaches straight out of a wallpaper catalog and a history that runs deep.
The new route from London City to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport starts May 25. Flights are weekly and clock in at just over two hours.
And what makes it so special? For starters, this is BA’s only Olbia route out of central London, adding a layer of convenience that Heathrow and Edinburgh flights don’t quite match.
Olbia is more than just a pretty beach town, though. Walk down Corso Umberto and you’ll feel the city’s pulse — boutiques, bars, and that sweet smell of fresh focaccia in the air.
• Spiaggia Pittulongu, Punta della Saline, and Bados — these beaches are the real deal, as Viator highlights.
The nearby island of Tavolara is perfect for anyone who’d rather trade mojitos for snorkeling goggles. Hike, dive, or just stare at the views — it’s all there.
Tokyo Is Back — And This Time, It’s Personal
British Airways is finally rebooting its direct flights to Tokyo. The twice-daily service from London Heathrow to Tokyo Haneda returns after a long pandemic-era pause.
This isn’t just about reconnecting the UK with Japan’s capital. It’s about rebuilding business and tourism links that were frozen for years.
Flight times average 11 to 12 hours, and fares currently start around £789 return.
The route is also a nod to growing interest in long-haul leisure. Japan is trending again among British travelers, thanks to the weak yen, cherry blossom selfies, and, of course, J-pop mania.
For anyone heading to Tokyo:
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Book early — demand is surging post-COVID.
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Haneda Airport is far more convenient than Narita, especially if you’re heading into central Tokyo.
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BA will operate these flights using its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet.
Georgia’s Back on the Map, and It’s Not What You Expect
Tbilisi is making a comeback — and no, we’re not talking about the one in the American South.
For the first time in more than 12 years, British Airways is relaunching direct service to Georgia’s capital, reconnecting London and Tbilisi with a four-hour flight starting this summer.
This one’s a bit under the radar, but insiders know Georgia’s tourism game is growing fast.
Wine country? Check. Mountain escapes? Double check. A thriving arts scene in a city with cobblestone alleys and Soviet-era charm? You bet.
This route also speaks to something bigger: the UK quietly building economic and diplomatic bridges with nations outside the EU post-Brexit.
Malaysia Returns After a 5-Year Break
Kuala Lumpur’s back in the schedule, and it’s been a while. British Airways paused its Malaysia flights five years ago, but now it’s full steam ahead with nonstop service from London Heathrow.
Flights will resume in July, operated by the Airbus A350, with flight times around 13 hours.
Why now? Southeast Asia is booming again, and Kuala Lumpur sits at the crossroads of culture, food, and finance. It’s also a budget hub for travelers jumping off to Bali, Phuket, and Singapore.
A table below breaks down the key 2025 BA routes and launch dates:
| Destination | Departure Airport | Launch Date | Frequency | Est. Flight Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olbia, Italy | London City | May 25 | Weekly | 2h 10m |
| Tokyo, Japan | London Heathrow | June 3 | Twice Daily | 11h 45m |
| Tbilisi, Georgia | London Heathrow | July 12 | 3x Weekly | 4h 30m |
| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | London Heathrow | July 28 | Daily | 13h 10m |
Fares for KL flights start from £615 return, with options for both economy and premium cabins. Business travelers, rejoice.
Italy Keeps On Giving: Rimini and Salerno Join the Party
In addition to Olbia, BA is rolling out two more Italian destinations: Rimini and Salerno.
Rimini, launching from London Heathrow, taps into demand for Adriatic beaches and a nightlife scene that rivals Ibiza. It’s kitschy, crowded, and undeniably fun.
Salerno, on the other hand, will be served out of London Gatwick. It’s a gateway to the Amalfi Coast without the tourist crush of Naples.
These new routes make sense. Italy remains one of the most searched destinations for UK travelers, and BA isn’t about to let low-cost carriers have all the fun.
