NEWS: New Delta route gives extra Virgin redemptions, BA resume Asia flights & French ATC strike off

Delta launch flights to London Gatwick

With demand post-Covid still high, the launch of any new routes to the UK is great news if you are trying to find a redemption. The latest Delta flights could be a good option for those that collect Virgin Atlantic or Skyteam miles. 

Delta has announced a whole range of new or resumed routes to Europe. Those most of interest will be:

New York JFK

• London-Gatwick beginning on 10 April 2023. 

JFK is undergoing a $1.5 billion transformation as part of Delta’s decade-long $12 billion investment in U.S. airport infrastructure. The expansion will include a new Delta Sky Club on the A Concourse of Terminal 4 as well as a Delta One Club. Once complete in early 2024, all Delta operations will be consolidated into one terminal for a more convenient travel experience for customers.  

Atlanta 

With approximately 800 peak-day flights to destinations across the globe, Delta is Atlanta’s hometown carrier as well as its largest global connector.

With approximately 800 peak-day flights, Delta is the largest international carrier in Atlanta, where the hub also serves as the largest global connector. And next summer, the airline will add 11 weekly flights to three trans-Atlantic destinations including:  

• Five-times-weekly seasonal service to Edinburgh beginning on 25 May 2023 (a route not operated since 2007).  

Los Angeles 

As LAX’s largest global airline, Delta is relaunching service to cities that haven’t been serviced in years including adding daily service to:   

• London-Heathrow beginning on 25 March 2023 (a route not operated since 2015). 

Additionally, Delta remains committed to transforming the airport experience at its west coast hub, with the brand-new T3 facility opening to customers on 5 October 22. This will feature nine new gates with spacious gate seating areas as well as premium concessions and retail offerings.  

Delta also recently revealed that it will upgrade its premium economy service. In addition to enhanced meal options, passengers will enjoy amenities such as a Grown Alchemist scented towel, a special “bubbles & bites” service and a premium snack basket. 

BA resume Asia flights

With both Japan and Hong Kong reopening to various extents, British Airways has announced their intentions to restart flights finally. If you want to secure Avios seats, don’t forget about our exclusive discount with Reward Flight Finder that can set alerts to tell you when new Avios seats are available. 

Flights between London and Tokyo

British Airways’ first passenger flight from London to Tokyo since November 2021 will take to the skies on 13 November 2022.

Flight BA7 is scheduled to touch down at Tokyo Haneda Airport on 14 November at 7:35am and the returning flight, BA8 sets off at 9:45am. The service will operate daily.

Flights between London and Hong Kong

British Airways’ first passenger flight from London to Hong Kong since December 2021 will take to the skies on 5 December 2022.

Flight BA31 is scheduled to touch down at Hong Kong International Airport on 6 December at 2:40pm and the returning flight, BA32 sets off at 11:05pm. The flight will operate four times per week until 18 December, followed by a daily service from then onwards.

French ATC strike cancelled

Air traffic control strikes caused chaos over France recently, with many flights cancelled, delayed or rerouted. Fortunately, the strikes that were due to happen this week on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday have been called off. The controller’s union announced that they had reached agreement with management over pay and bonuses (until the next time…)