British Airways will begin operating nonstop flights between London Gatwick (LGW) and Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) from 23 October 2026. The service runs three times weekly and is scheduled to operate through to 26 March 2027, covering the northern hemisphere’s winter travel season.
Route Details
- Route: London Gatwick (LGW) → Colombo (CMB), nonstop
- Launch date: 23 October 2026
- Frequency: Three times weekly
- Aircraft: Boeing 777-200
- Schedule: Departs LGW approximately 17:30, arrives CMB approximately 09:00 the following morning
- Season: Operating until 26 March 2027
The return leg from Colombo to Gatwick operates on the same days, making it straightforward to book a round trip.
Why This Matters
Until this service, UK travellers to Sri Lanka from London typically flew via Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi, adding a transit stop to a journey that is already around 10–11 hours nonstop. A direct Gatwick service removes that stop and offers an alternative to the Heathrow hub routes operated by other carriers.
For travellers in the south and west of England, Gatwick can also be a more convenient departure point than Heathrow.
Planning Your Trip to Sri Lanka
The service launches at the start of Sri Lanka’s main dry season for the south and west coasts, which runs from roughly November to April. This is prime time for beach destinations such as Mirissa, Galle, Hikkaduwa, and Unawatuna, as well as cultural sites including the Cultural Triangle.
Our Colombo city guide covers the capital’s main highlights and where to stay on arrival. For a broader overview, our two-week Sri Lanka itinerary maps out a route combining the coast, hill country, and Cultural Triangle.