NEWS: Two New BA Short Haul Routes Announced (Fantastic Avios Availability), LCY-MAD Frequency Increase & Centurion Lounge to Open at AMS

British Airways to Add Two More Short-Haul Routes

BA has once again expanded its short-haul route network, this time with routes to Rabat and Graz (both hidden gems) from Gatwick starting in winter 2025. Have your Avios at the ready because both routes are showing near 100% reward-seat availability.

Here’s what you need to know!

Graz, Austria

BA is introducing a new service from Gatwick to Graz, operating three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 21st November 2025, using an Airbus A320.

This brings BA’s Austrian destinations to four, with flights already operating to Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. Graz is an underserved destination from London, giving BA an advantage. If you’re planning a trip with BA to Austria and there’s no availability on your preferred route, Austria has excellent train links, with a short journey time from Graz to Vienna and Salzburg.

Graz is a lovely cultural city break destination and is also home to one of Austria’s best Christmas markets. It’s also a fantastic city to visit over the summer with opportunities for plenty of day trips into the mountains or to other cities, towns and villages. 

Fares start at just £60 one way. You can book the inaugural flight on 21st November for just £85 in Economy or £219 in Club Europe. On 24th and 26th November, you can book for just £52 in Economy or £156 in Club Europe. These are a great deal considering fares can climb to £435 in Economy and £599 in Club Europe (16th February).

Redemptions start at 11,250 Avios in Economy off-peak and 12,750 during peak times. Club Europe redemptions start at 20,000 Avios during off-peak times and 22,250 Avios + £12.50 during peak times.

Here’s the exact flight schedule:

Rabat, Morocco 

BA will add a twice-weekly service from Gatwick to Morocco’s capital, Rabat, on Wednesdays and Sundays from 5th November 2025, using an Airbus A320. This marks BA’s 130th short-haul destination network-wide and its 39th from Gatwick!

Rabat becomes the third Moroccan city served by BA, joining Marrakech and Agadir. Rabat has growing tourism figures and beautiful architecture.

Fares start from £70 one-way, including taxes and fees. There are plenty of dates from November to January where Economy fares are £76 and Club Europe is £216.

Club Europe redemptions start at 24,250 Avios + £12.50 during off-peak times and 27,250 Avios + £12.50 during peak times.

Economy fares start at 13,750 Avios + £0.50 during off-peak times and 15,250 Avios + £0.50 during peak times.

As this route has just been announced, there is nearly 100% availability (at the time of writing). I recommend you book right away if you’re planning a trip!

Here’s the exact flight schedule:

London City to Madrid Frequency Increase

BA Cityflyer is launching a new 11-times weekly service between London City and Madrid, starting 1st December 2025, complementing the existing Heathrow flights and increasing the total weekly flights to 44.

Flights are timed for both business trips and easier connections to South American destinations via Madrid (Bogotá, Lima, Montevideo), offering more flexibility for long-haul Avios trips by connecting onto Iberia Routes.

All flights are operated by Embraer 190s with Club Europe available. BA Cityflyer operates a fleet of 20 Embraer aircraft, seating 106 passengers and featuring no middle seat.

Fares hover from £57-£128 in Economy and £258 in Club Europe, with the added flights starting at £78. You can book Club Europe for £244 on some Wednesdays in April and May.

Off-peak redemptions are 11,250 + 50p in Economy and 20,000 + £12.50 in Club Europe. Peak redemptions are 12,750 Avios + £0.50 in Economy and 22,250 Avios + £12.50 in Club Europe.

Here’s the new schedule:

New AMEX Centurion Lounge to Open in Amsterdam

If you’re an American Express Platinum or Centurion Card holder, there’s good news: a brand-new Centurion Lounge is coming to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The new space is expected to open in 2026, located between Concourses E and F, near the KLM Crown lounge and departure gates for many US flights.

At 6,000 square feet, the lounge will be one of the smaller lounges in the network. Given how crowded Centurion Lounges have become these days, especially during peak hours, it’s likely to feel busy, particularly since Schiphol has limited pay-to-enter or credit card lounges (just Aspire). I expect the lounge will become very crowded near US flight departures.

What to Expect

Design-wise, expect a Dutch flair with blues, greens, and earthy tones inspired by Amsterdam’s canals, featuring design elements that draw on the shape and symmetry of the canal houses and complemented by works by local artists and large floor-to-ceiling windows.

There will also be signature amenities that regular Centurion lounge visitors know and love, including:

• A bar with premium drink options
• Premium dining
• Dedicated workstations and fast WIFI
• Plenty of outlets and USB ports
• Multiple seating areas

A Dutch-style coffee bar will pay homage to the importance of the drink in Dutch culture, serving as a ritual to connect and unwind with one another. The aim is for the lounge to have a feeling of “gezellig” – a local phrase to describe a comforting, pleasant and convivial atmosphere.

The AMS lounge will be the 30th Centurion lounge worldwide and join the 1,550 options already available to eligible AMEX cardmembers in 140 countries. It’s not just the Amsterdam lounge to look forward to; there are also recently announced plans to open lounges at Haneda Airport in Tokyo in 2025 and Salt Lake City International in 2026.

For more info, make sure you also read our AMEX Platinum Review and guide to lounge access with credit cards.