British Airways’ first flight from London to Beijing in more than three years touched down at Beijing Daxing Airport yesterday (Sunday).

The route was suspended in 2020 during COVID.

The resumption reclaims the airline’s exclusivity as the only British carrier operating a direct service between Beijing and the UK.  

Flights will operate four-times-a-week between Beijing and Heathrow, departing Daxing Airport on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

BA Director of Worldwide Airports Louise Street said: “The restart of one of our most important routes after more than three years is a long-awaited moment for all of us at British Airways.

“Following the successful resumption of flights between Shanghai and London in April, we’re excited to be back in Beijing too, reuniting families and friends and facilitating international student and business travel once again.

“We are looking forward to working hand-in-hand with our joint business partner China Southern, to provide wider transit options and various benefits to our customers in China and the UK.”

Meanwhile, BA has added a service from Heathrow to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen airport, on the Anatolian side of the city.

The new route will operate four times a week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays on a mix of A320 and A321 aircraft.

Return fares start from £368 in Club Europe and £130 in Euro Traveller.