British Airways Welcomes Three New Routes to its Network

British Airways is expanding its flight network with three additional routes to Italian destinations, scheduled to start in May 2025. The new routes will include flights from London Heathrow to Rimini (RMI) on the Adriatic Coast, from London Gatwick to Salerno (QSR) on the Amalfi Coast, and to Olbia (OLB) in Sardinia from London City to complement existing flights from Heathrow. 

The addition of these routes will increase the flag carrier's total number of Italian destinations to 19, making Italy the most-served European country in the airline's network.

Neil Chernoff, British Airways' Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said, "Italy continues to prove hugely popular with our customers, which is why it's our biggest European destination and second globally behind the US. Last month, we saw a 10% increase in searches for summer flights to Italy compared to 2023, so we're pleased to be offering an even bigger choice of destinations next year. Rimini, Salerno and Olbia are all coastal destinations, so we expect them to be particularly popular with our leisure customers seeking sun, sea, and, of course, Italy's fantastic food."  

Flight Timings and Details

Here’s everything you need to know about these routes so you can start planning your Avios reward flights: 

Rimini (RMI) 

Known mainly for its 15 km beachfront along the Adriatic coast, Rimini has plenty of other attractions to offer. Dating back to over 2000 years, Rimini has the charm of an old town, complete with Roman-era relics. It’s also the birthplace of film director Federico Fellini. Besides sandy dunes and a busy nightlife, travellers can visit Remini for the following:

Museo della Citta

Go if you're a history buff interested in the Roman era. The museum houses rare and eclectic finds, including mosaics, renderings of fish on glass, and the largest collection of Roman surgical instruments. It also contains imaginative doodlings of Federico Fellini.

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One way

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Ponte di Tiberio

Dating back to 21 AD, this five-arched bridge connects the old fishing quarter of Borgo San Guiliano with Rimini's city centre. When it was constructed in Roman times, the bridge linked the important road between the Adriatic Coast and Rome. It still rests on its original foundations, which are made of wooden stilts.

Tempeo Malatestiano

This Gothic-styled cathedral was built in the 13th century and was initially dedicated to St Francis. However, after over a century, Florentine architect Leon Battista Alberti transformed it into a Renaissance-inspired version of the Taj Mahal. He repurposed it as the tomb of the ruler Sigismondo Malatesta's mistress. The monument is an excellent example of Alberti's work, which borrows heavily from Roman-inspired design. 

Flights to Rimini will start on May 15, 2025, and operate thrice weekly on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays until September 27, 2025. Return flights are available from £131. 

Here's the schedule for the new flight:

Salerno (QSR) 

While it's more famous for being the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, providing easy access to more well-known towns such as Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, there's much to see and do in Salerno. It has all the charm of southern Italy, with medieval churches and neighbourhood trattorias. If you're not strolling along the tree-lined seafront promenade, we recommend visiting the following: 

Duomo 

Initially built by the Normans in the 11th century and later remodelled in the 18th century, Duomo is considered one of Italy's most beautiful examples of a medieval church. It’s dedicated to St Matthew, who was buried in a crypt beneath the altar. The 12th-century Porta dei Leoni deserves a visit, as do Cappella delle Crociate, which contains beautiful mosaics and frescos, as well as the tomb of Gregory VII, the 11th-century pope.

Castello di Arechi

Of course, no trip to Salerno is complete without visiting Castello di Arechi. Unanimously considered by tourists as the city's most famous landmark, the monument provides a panoramic view of the Gulf of Salerno. Originally constructed by the Byzantines as a fort in the 8th century, it was modified by its latter occupants, which included Normans and Aragonese, even as late as the 16th century. Annual concerts and special events are held throughout the year and are worth attending.

Flight Type

One way

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• Passenger
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Origin

London

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Museo Archeologico Provinciale

If you want a detailed history of the region, this is the best place to get all your information in one place. Showcasing historical finds that date back to the time of the cave dwellers, the museum also houses the bronze head of Apollo, discovered by a fisherman from the Gulf of Salerno in 1930. The Testa Bronzea di Apollo is thought by historians to be from the 1st century BC. 

Starting May 22, 2025, BA Euroflyer, a subsidiary of British Airways based at Gatwick, will operate flights to Salerno in the Campania Region three times a week — on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Return flights start at £168 and will continue until October 25, 2025.

Here's the schedule for the new flight: 

Olbia (OLB) 

Olbia is often overlooked by travellers more interested in the Costa Smeralda. However, there's more to Olbia than meets the eye. Situated northeast of Sardinia, it’s is a short drive from Costa Smeralda and other more famous coastlines. Famous attractions worth visiting include:

Museo Archeologico

Designed by Vanni Macciocco, the Museo Archeologico has a trendy, contemporary design that contrasts nicely with historical artefacts. From Roman pottery and amulets to a multimedia display by Vandals that recreated the burning and sinking of ships, the museum has many attractions that make it worth visiting.

Tenute Olbios

Those in the mood to sample some Italian wines can also get a crash course in winemaking from Tenute Olbio. A 90-minute guided tour of the estate's 60 hectares will cost (€10). Also included in the tour is a trip down to the cellar, ending with a three-wine-tasting experience. Visitors can also walk through the vineyard and sample regional cheeses for additional costs. 

Chiesa di San Simplicio

Constructed between the late 11th and early 12th century, this granite Roman church is located at the edge of the town. Depicting 13th-century frescos, the church is heavily influenced by the Tuscan and Lombard styles and offers a curious mixture.

British Airways Avios travellers can choose to fly to Olbia from either London City or Heathrow. Starting May 25, 2025, BA CityFlyer, a subsidiary of British Airways operating out of London City, will introduce a weekly service, which will increase to twice weekly (Wednesdays and Sundays) beginning July 16, 2025.

Return flights start at £116 and will continue through September 28, 2025. Olbia is one of two destinations in Sardinia served by British Airways, with the other being Cagliari, accessible from London Gatwick on the island’s south coast.

Here's the schedule for the new flight:

Final Thoughts 

These new flights are part of a thoughtful move to tap into the growing demand for travel between Italy and the UK. This expansion shows British Airways' dedication to meeting the rising travel needs on this route.

With increased flight frequency, British Airways passengers will have more options to make the most of their British Airways Avios by booking Avios award flights through our Reward Flight Finder (RFF).