Last Updated: 29 Sep 2024
British Airways recently announced the launch of a new route from London to Abu Dhabi. The airline will begin daily flights from Heathrow to the Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi starting in the summer of 2024. Operational all year round, this recently launched service aims to create long-lasting ties between the UAE and the United Kingdom.
British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, Calum Laming stated: “We’re really excited to be celebrating our Abu Dhabi route launch. The new daily flight connects Abu Dhabi with London Heathrow and beyond, providing our customers with another amazing destination within our expansive global network and further growing our connections with the UAE.
With four cabins to choose from, including First, we are confident customers will enjoy our exceptional and original British Airways service brought to life by our incredible colleagues. And on a personal level, it’s an honour to return to the fantastic city and Emirate of Abu Dhabi where I was lucky to live for the best part of a decade."
Route Details
The airline will use the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft to service the London to Abu Dhabi route starting this summer.
Departure: Flight BA073 from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi will depart daily at 22:25 local time, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 08:30 the following day.
Return: The inbound flight BA072 from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow will depart daily at 10:10 local time, reaching London Heathrow at 15:20.
London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi Zayed International | ||||||
Timing | Flight number | Departing LHR | Arriving AUH | Flight number | Departing AUH | Arriving LHR |
Summer 2024 | BA73 | 22:25 | 08:30+1 | BA72 | 10:10 | 15:20 |
Winter 2024 | BA73 | 22:25 | 09:30+1 | BA72 | 11:10 | 15:20 |
With BA offering daily flights to Abu Dhabi, now’s the perfect time to plan your Middle Eastern adventure using your British Airways Avios.
Things To Do in Abu Dhabi
Desert Safari
No trip to Abu Dhabi is complete without experiencing the Insta-gold sunsets of the Arabian desert. A desert safari is the perfect way to experience the UAE in all its glory and the experience draws people to the country from all over the world.
Imagine being picked up from your hotel in a luxury 4x4 drive, riding the rolling sand dunes, dining under the stars in a traditional Bedouin camp, and enjoying a live fire and dance show under the desert sky.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, most tour operators have a VIP package that includes a premium three-course BBQ dinner, personal waiter service, traditional shisha and premium beverages and bubbly to calm any post-dune-bashing nerves. It doesn’t get better than that.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
One of the world's largest mosques, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque features stunning architecture and an elaborate design with its 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, 24-carat gold gilded chandeliers, and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet.
While it isn't the oldest work of art in Abu Dhabi, people who’ve been there say it's a must-visit for anyone who wants to learn more about the city's Islamic character. Travellers strongly recommend visiting the mosque in the evening when the setting sun illuminates the marble courtyard.
The Abu Dhabi Corniche
The Corniche is one of the most picturesque sites in the area. The beautiful beaches and pathways that crisscross the northwest shore of the city are a popular spot where locals and visitors alike gather to soak in the sun, enjoy leisure activities, and relax.
A variety of activities are always on offer, from jet skiing to mornings of paddle-boarding across the calm waters of the Arabian Gulf. As the day winds down, the Corniche becomes a great spot to catch a spectacular sunset, with benches perfectly placed for uninterrupted views of the horizon.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi
Located in the city's Saadiyat Island Cultural District, The Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum showcases artwork and artefacts from all over the world. It has become a symbol of cultural progress since its opening in 2017.
Every year, it hosts a number of exhibitions arranged in association with its French equivalent which include borrowed paintings from the latter's collection. These exhibitions are curated seasonally and organised around particular themes shared by cultures and civilisations. It’s a great spot to visit for anyone interested in how art and history converge from across the globe.
When is the Best Time to Visit Abu Dhabi?
If you want to soak up the sun, there's never really a bad time to visit Abu Dhabi because the city has long, bright days all year round. The constant sunshine makes it an ideal destination for beach lovers.
Fortunately, Abu Dhabi is overflowing with beaches. Make sure to visit the picturesque Saadiyat Beach, which is home to turtles and humpback dolphins, or the expansive 2-mile Corniche Beach with flawless white sands, spotless sun loungers, and waters so turquoise you'll swear you're in the Caribbean.
And when you're ready to step out of the sun, Abu Dhabi provides plenty of indoor comfort. Its world-famous shopping malls, indoor theme parks, and sophisticated hotels provide cool havens from the desert heat. Especially in the summer months, you can find solace in your hotel’s temperature-controlled pool regardless of the outside temperature.
Final Thoughts
Finding a reward seat to Abu Dhabi using British Airways Avios can sometimes be a challenge because of its popularity. To increase your chances, consider using our BA flight finder tool. By setting an Alert using the tool, you’ll be notified the moment reward seats become available, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
You can set up Alerts up to 12 months ahead, so there's plenty of time to prepare for your trip. Sign up with Reward Flight Finder today!
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