British Airways flies to Graz: New non-stop connection to London Gatwick

A long-awaited connection is becoming a reality: British Airways, the traditional national airline of the United Kingdom and a major member of the Oneworld alliance, is launching a new scheduled service between Graz Airport and London Gatwick from November 21 of this year.

Three times a week, an Airbus A320 operated by British Airways subsidiary BA Euroflyer will transport travelers non-stop between the Styrian capital and the vibrant metropolis of London. This new flight route promises significant growth for the economy, trade, and tourism throughout the region and closes a significant gap in Graz Airport's flight network.

The strategic importance of the new route

The introduction of this non-stop connection is of great significance for Graz Airport. For years, London was considered the largest untapped market without direct air connections. Wolfgang Grimus, Managing Director of Graz Airport, emphasizes the importance of this development: "London was by far the largest market for us without non-stop flights. The scheduled flights with BA Euroflyer to Gatwick are enormously important for the economy, industry, and tourism in our region." This assessment is shared by business representatives and tourism associations in Styria. A 2024 study by the Styrian Chamber of Commerce showed that direct international air connections contribute significantly to increasing regional added value by facilitating business travel and promoting the influx of tourists.

The new route not only provides more convenient travel for business travelers and holidaymakers wishing to explore Styria's cultural and scenic diversity, but also provides easier access to the cosmopolitan city of London. Furthermore, passengers from Graz will have the opportunity to access selected long-haul destinations on British Airways' worldwide network via London Gatwick. This significantly expands travel options for the region and provides a new connection to the network of a global airline alliance, a significant advantage for a regional airport like Graz.

The role of BA Euroflyer and British Airways

The flights are operated by BA Euroflyer, a wholly-owned subsidiary of British Airways, based at London's Gatwick Airport. Karen Hilton, Managing Director of BA Euroflyer, expressed her delight at the strengthening of connectivity between London and Austria: "We are delighted to further strengthen our connectivity between London and Austria with the addition of Graz. We will offer the only connection between the two cities, giving our customers more choice – whether for business, pleasure, or visiting friends and family." This exclusivity on the Graz-London Gatwick route underscores British Airways' strategic positioning in this market segment.

BA Euroflyer customers benefit from British Airways' proven product and service standards. This includes generous baggage allowances, complimentary water and snacks on board, a business-class cabin, and attractive frequent flyer benefits such as lounge access. These amenities are an important differentiator in competitive airlines, particularly on routes that appeal to both business and leisure travelers. British Airways, with over 100 years of experience, connects Great Britain to the world and the world to Great Britain, and together with its partners operates one of the most extensive international scheduled flight networks. Its presence in Graz is a clear sign of its confidence in the Austrian market.

The Oneworld alliance and its reach

British Airways is a founding member of the Oneworld alliance, launched in 1999. This alliance boasts more than 3.000 aircraft across 15 members and includes renowned airlines such as American Airlines, Iberia, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, and Qantas. Oneworld membership offers passengers from Graz not only access to an expanded route network, but also a host of benefits, such as mileage programs, lounge access, and a seamless travel experience for connecting flights within the alliance. The relevance of such alliances for regional airports was highlighted in a 2023 report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which highlighted how airline networks enable smaller airports to access global markets.

For Graz Airport, joining such a prestigious alliance represents a significant enhancement of its offerings and global reach. Wolfgang Malik, owner representative of Graz Airport and CEO of Graz Holding, expressed his particular pride at the successful conclusion: "A direct scheduled flight between Graz and London has long been a goal, and the immediate booking of flights to London Gatwick from Graz is now an important milestone." He added that "the British Airways service to London will further strengthen Graz Airport's position as a hub for the Styrian economy and the Area South, enabling mutually attractive tourism opportunities." This underscores the far-sighted strategy behind the new flight connection.

Impact on the economy and tourism in Styria

The new flight connection will have far-reaching positive effects on Styria. For the local economy, this means improved trade relations and easier business travel. Companies in Styria that have international partners or customers in Great Britain will benefit from the direct and efficient travel options. This can lead to strengthening economic relations and an increase in trade volume. The tourism sector is also expecting a significant upturn. London is an important source market for tourism in Austria. The direct connection will make it easier for British travelers to discover Styria as a holiday destination, whether for city trips to Graz, excursions to the wine regions, or winter holidays in the Styrian Alps.

Experts from the Styrian Tourism Association predict an increase in overnight stays from the United Kingdom. The attractiveness of Styria, known for its cuisine, culture, and diverse landscape, will be further enhanced by the improved accessibility. The new flight connection can also help position Graz as an attractive location for international conferences and events, as it significantly simplifies travel for international participants. British Airways' investment in this new route is therefore not only a benefit for the airport, but also an important stimulus for the entire regional development.

The flight schedule in detail

The flights are offered three times a week at fixed times:

These times are chosen to offer flexible travel options for both business travelers and tourists and also to enable connections to the wider route network.

The new non-stop connection between Graz and London Gatwick operated by British Airways is a significant milestone for Graz Airport and the entire Styria region. It underscores the growing importance of regional airports for international connections and economic development. The collaboration with such a renowned airline as British Airways strengthens Graz Airport's position in the European air traffic network and promises a promising future for air traffic in the region. The positive effects on the economy, trade, and tourism will be clearly noticeable in the coming months and years.