Touchdown In Aruba: British Airways Launches First Direct Route From Aruba to London

Flight BA2157 touched down at Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) at 17:00 local time. 

Creating the only direct route between Aruba and London Gatwick (LGW), the inaugural flight received a warm local welcome as it taxied to stand.  The brand-new route will operate twice weekly via Antigua on a Boeing 777-200 aircraft, with three cabins for customers to choose from: Club (business), World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy) and World Traveller (economy).

Having been born and raised in Aruba, this new route is a personal one for British Airways cabin crew member Arelis Spanner, who flew on the inaugural BA2157. She said: “This is such a special day – I’m so proud that British Airways is flying to my home country and to be able to travel on the inaugural flight has been an amazing homecoming.”

Julian Welham, British Airways’ Senior Vice President Americas said: “We’re very excited to be adding Aruba to our route network. As the longest serving carrier connecting the Caribbean to the UK, our links to the region are stronger than ever – and we’re proud to be the only airline to offer direct flights from Aruba to London. We look forward to welcoming you on board!”

The return flight to London Gatwick, via Antigua, departed at 18:30 local time.

“Today marks a significant milestone in the history of Aruba’s tourism industry,” said Minister of Tourism, Danguillaume P. Oduber. “We are thrilled to welcome the inaugural British Airways flight from London to our beautiful island. Aruba has always been a beloved destination for travellers from around the world, and we are excited to strengthen our connection to the UK market with this new flight. We look forward to sharing our warm hospitality, breath-taking beaches, and diverse culture with our British guests. Thank you, British Airways, for choosing Aruba as your newest destination.”

Ronella Croes, CEO, Aruba Tourism Authority, added: “Aruba’s tourism industry has always been as resilient as our people, always adapting, and always striving to be better and stronger. As a small destination in the Caribbean, we are honoured and delighted to have the opportunity to welcome British Airways to our island. Our visitor numbers from the UK have been growing yearly, and we are certain that this partnership with British Airways will open so many new doors for One Happy Island in the UK and in Europe. We would like to thank British Airways for believing in our island and we look forward to welcoming passengers visiting Aruba aboard British Airways.”

“The day has finally arrived that a direct year-round scheduled service between London Gatwick Airport and Aruba is effectuated,” said Chief Executive Officer, Aruba Airport Authority N.V., Joost Meijs. “We are honored to have been able to welcome our newest airline partner British Airways to our airline network. A long-awaited goal has been achieved and we are more than thrilled that our efforts have borne fruit. This additional service will further enhance our strategy to diversify our route network as much as possible within the European market and hence provide more options for connections into the United Kingdom and other destinations in Europe. We are certain that this new partnership will become yet another great success for Aruba Airport and Aruba. Congratulations British Airways!”

The flight from Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport to London Gatwick takes 11 hours 30 minutes, including a short stop in Antigua. On board customers can enjoy the airline’s quintessentially British product and service, and British Airways Executive Club loyalty program members can earn and redeem miles on their flights.

Once in Aruba, travellers can enjoy the islands beautiful beaches, with crystal clear waters, and a tropical climate that provides the perfect setting for a relaxing getaway, among them the recently acclaimed Eagle Beach that last month was recognised as the number one beach in the Caribbean and number two beach in the world as voted for by the Tripadvisor Traveller Choice Awards.

Flights from Aruba to London Gatwick will run on Thursdays and Sundays and are available to book now on ba.com

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NOTES TO EDITORS

Flight schedule

About British Airways’ flight network 

• As a global airline and the UK’s flag carrier, British Airways has been flying its customers to where they need to be for more than 100 years. The airline connects Britain with the world and the world with Britain, serving more than 190 destinations across more than 65 countries, including routes with its partnership airlines. The airline proudly offers customers flights to more destination from London than any other carrier.
• British Airways customers have access to one of the world’s most extensive flight networks, both domestically and internationally, offering flights to and from central airports at convenient times. It operates out of three major London airports: London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London City, and serves 27 destinations in the US alone. 
• The British Airways Americas press office can be contacted at americas.newsroom@ba.com.
• To book visit BA.com and connect on Facebook @BritishAirways and Instagram @british_airways.

About Aruba

Aruba lies 15 miles north of the South American coastline, benefitting from year-round sunshine, an average temperature of 32 degrees and a cooling breeze. With a nine mile stretch of award-winning pristine beach, turquoise seas, colonial Dutch architecture and a Latin vibe, Aruba is a delightful alternative Caribbean experience. With major international brand name resorts, as well as smaller boutique accommodation, Aruba offers a vibrant nightlife, as well as a host of watersports and other activities. It also has a busy schedule of major international sporting and cultural events throughout the year.

For further Aruba press information, please contact: Joanna Walding

Tel: 07950131216

E-mail: j.walding@aruba.com

Aruba Tourism Authority – UK & Ireland