My local airport is Southampton, and I know I have a lot of my former ATC colleagues based in the area that will also be really happy with today’s news! Flybe, for all their issues, was a very handy local airline for anyone near Southampton. I could land and be home within about 35 – 40 minutes even with luggage with the efficiency at Southampton!
So it is great news that British Airways are launching flights for summer 2021 with Cityflyer (their wholly owned subsidiary) direct from Southampton. This is also good news for the airport as previously around 95% of their traffic was from Flybe.
Flight from Southampton will be to:
- AGP (Malaga),
- FLR (Florence),
- FAO (Faro),
- JMK (Mykonos),
- IBZ (Ibiza),
- PMI (Palma de Mallorca),
- EGC (Bergerac Dordogne Périgord),
- LIG (Limoges–Bellegarde),
- NCE (Nice Côte d’Azur),
- EDI (Edinburgh),
- BER (Berlin).
We don’t know yet, but it is likely that Mykonos could be a 160 tier point return route, handy for those that want to do a tier point trip for Southampton.
Under a new agreement with Southampton Airport, the airline will operate up to 17 flights each weekend to 11 locations between 1 May and 31 October 2021. The seasonal arrangement will run alongside existing services from London City Airport and enhance British Airways’ UK regional network. The additional services will be operated using BA CityFlyer’s existing fleet of Embraer 190 aircraft. It is not really worth paying for Club on E190 aircraft unless you want the tier points as the arrangement is 2-2 anyway. It will also be interesting to see what catering they get as the current sandwich meal is definitely not worth the extra. Traditionally London City flights still had free food (snack) and drink in economy.
We also don’t know if BA will give lounge access there. There is only one lounge but it is OK in terms of food and drink, even if it is not the most luxurious looking lounge.
With return fares from Southampton Airport to select European destinations starting from £66, customers can book via ba.com/southampton from today.
Tom Stoddart, Managing Director of BA CityFlyer, which will operate the new services, said: “We are delighted to announce the extension of our services to Southampton Airport next summer.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the British Airways family. The ideal location of the airport and excellent facilities on offer will hugely benefit our customers along the South Coast as they plan to take to the skies again and book a well-deserved holiday in the sun.”
British Airways Holidays is also offering seven-night flight and hotel packages from Southampton to destinations including Malaga, Faro and Palma from just £199pp, available to customers who book before midnight on Wednesday 16 December 2020.
Steve Szalay, Operations Director at Southampton Airport, said: “Today’s announcement from British Airways is fantastic news for Southampton Airport and the region during what has been the most challenging of years.
“It’s also great to see BA return to the airport once again and the range of excellent destinations on offer is sure to be a welcome early Christmas present for passengers looking to plan a European holiday next summer.”
- The following BA Holidays offers are available to customers travelling from Southampton Airport:
Malaga – British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at the 3* Sol Timor from £269pp, travelling 01 May 2021 – 31 May 2021. Includes Euro Traveller return flights from Southampton Airport, 23kg luggage allowance and accommodation. Book by 16 December 20. - Faro – British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at the 3* Quinta das Figueirinhas & Quintinha Village from £199pp, travelling 01 May 2021 – 31 May 2021. Includes Euro Traveller return flights from Southampton Airport, 23kg luggage allowance and accommodation. Book by 16 December 20.
- Palma – British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at the 3* Sol Cala Dor Apartments from £199pp, travelling 01 May 2021 – 31 May 2021. Includes Euro Traveller return flights from Southampton Airport, 23kg luggage allowance and accommodation. Book by 16 December 20.
6 comments
Excellent news indeed. Both for Southampton airport and passengers. Managed to book this morning thanks to the heads up from Michelle.
Where are you off to?
Malaga fingers crossed. And BA said lounge access at Southampton is included.
That’s good news. Very handy having some European routes from SOU with BA.
I found Cityflyer excellent when they operated a BHX AGP summer summer schedule and 160 tier points to boot. I used it regularly to get to our place near Granada but sadly they cancelled it. Fingers crossed it makes a return. Very pleased they are supporting SOU because the airport was decimated when Flybe collapsed.
Yes, Southampton were in a very difficult position so hopefully this helps them out.
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