British Airways has announced the suspension of some flights between Abu Dhabi and Heathrow for the summer of 2025, marking a significant disruption in the airline’s operations after a four-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The suspension follows the resumption of these flights earlier this year, which had been halted due to the pandemic. A customer service representative confirmed that the final flight between Heathrow and Abu Dhabi will take place on March 30, 2025.
However, passengers will still be able to fly between the UAE capital and London via Dubai International Airport during this period. This change in the airline’s flight schedule has raised questions about its reasons, but sources indicate that it is linked to ongoing operational difficulties.
While the airline has not disclosed the exact reasons for the suspension, the customer service representative referred to “guidelines from IATA” (International Air Transport Association), which suggest that the suspension of these flights is in accordance with certain operational requirements.
Additionally, British Airways has experienced a series of operational challenges recently, particularly with its long-haul flights.
Earlier this year, the airline revealed that it had been forced to adjust its flight schedules due to engine issues, including a shortage of engines for its Boeing 787 aircraft.
According to statements made to Reuters, British Airways is facing delays in the delivery of engines and parts from Rolls-Royce, which has further strained its ability to maintain its usual flight schedules.
The issue with engine shortages has been affecting a substantial portion of British Airways’ fleet, and the airline confirmed it has been making adjustments to its operations in response.
These adjustments have included the reduction of long-haul flights, particularly to destinations that are less served by the airline during the current period of logistical strain.
The ongoing challenges with engine deliveries are part of a broader issue within the aviation industry, where many airlines are grappling with supply chain disruptions, including delays in the production of critical aircraft components.
Rolls-Royce, a key supplier of engines for many long-haul airlines, has been struggling to meet the demand for its engines, which has resulted in delays in the delivery of thousands of units worldwide.
The suspension of the Abu Dhabi-Heathrow route is expected to impact both business and leisure travelers, particularly those who had planned to fly between the two major hubs during the summer of 2025.
Passengers who were scheduled to fly on this route will be redirected to alternative flights through Dubai International Airport or offered other travel options by the airline.
British Airways has yet to comment on whether the suspension will be permanent or if the route will resume once the engine issues are resolved.
However, the airline has confirmed that flights to Abu Dhabi will resume on October 25, 2025. Until then, travelers will need to make alternative arrangements for their journeys between London and the UAE capital.
The suspension of the Abu Dhabi-Heathrow route is the latest in a series of operational challenges faced by British Airways as it navigates the complexities of post-pandemic recovery.
As the airline continues to address its logistical issues, passengers are advised to stay updated on any further changes to their flight schedules.