British Airways to Return to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur

British Airways is adding two major cities in southeast Asia back to its route network. Later this year, the British flag carrier is slated to re-introduce flights to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.

British Airways’ Shifting Bangkok Service

Flights between London Gatwick Airport and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport will begin on Oct. 28, 2024. The seasonal route will operate three times per week using British Airways’ Boeing 777-200ER aircraft with an older configuration, featuring 32 Club World seats (business class), 48 World Traveller Plus seats (premium economy class), and 252 World Traveller (economy class).

The carrier previously flew between London and Bangkok before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the route existed in a different form. In pre-pandemic times, British Airways operated a daily service to Bangkok from London Heathrow Airport. Thailand is an extremely popular tourist destination and the introduction of a non-daily service from Gatwick shows a more leisure-focused approach to this route.

While British Airways will be the only airline serving Bangkok from Gatwick, the London–Bangkok market is not lacking in competition. Thai Airways International flies twice daily between Bangkok and London Heathrow and EVA Air operates a daily fifth freedom flight between the two airports.

A Return to Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is also returning to the British Airways network after a four-year pandemic hiatus. Starting on Nov. 10, 2024, the airline will resume daily flights between London Heathrow Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The route will be served by Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with eight First Class seats, 42 Club World seats, 39 World Traveller Plus seats, and 127 World Traveller seats.

The four-class daily service from London Heathrow shows that the Kuala Lumpur route is more business-focused than the Bangkok market. British Airways will also not be without competition on this route. Fellow oneworld alliance partner Malaysia Airlines flies twice per day between London Heathrow and Kuala Lumpur.

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Andrew Chen

Andrew is a lifelong lover of aviation and travel. He has flown all over the world and is fascinated by the workings of the air travel industry. As a private pilot and glider pilot who has worked with airlines, airports and other industry stakeholders, he is always excited to share his passion for aviation with others. In addition to being a writer, he also hosts Flying Smarter, an educational travel podcast that explores the complex world of air travel to help listeners become better-informed and savvier travelers.

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