British Airways Cancels Summer 2025 Flights from Southampton
British Airways has announced the cancellation of its entire summer 2025 flight schedule from Southampton Airport (SOU), a decision that comes just as the summer 2024 season concludes. The airline stated that it is “suspending 2025 operations” from the airport, leaving many regular travelers seeking to rebook their flights for next year in a lurch.
During the summer of 2024, British Airways served eleven destinations from Southampton, connecting passengers to various European and domestic UK locations. These flights were operated by the airline’s subsidiary, CityFlyer, utilizing a fleet of Embraer regional jets that temporarily relocate from London City Airport (LCY) during weekends when movement restrictions are in place.
The cancellation is unexpected for frequent travelers at Southampton, especially given that the latest routes to Bergerac and Palma were only introduced four months ago in May 2024. Passengers already booked on summer 2025 flights have been contacted by British Airways, offering options to rebook on alternative flights or request refunds.
The year 2024 has been a mixed bag for Southampton Airport. While it has seen steady traffic growth since the pandemic, the airport lost its largest carrier, Flybe, following its collapse in 2021. However, it has since attracted services from other airlines, including easyJet, Eastern Airlines, and Loganair, enhancing its portfolio of business and leisure destinations. The airport also celebrated its first full year of operations with a long-awaited runway extension, which it had lobbied for extensively.
British Airways’ expanding network at Southampton contributed significantly to the variety of routes available, leaving questions about whether easyJet or other carriers will step in to fill the void left by the flag carrier’s departure for summer 2025.
A spokesperson for Southampton Airport expressed disappointment regarding the route cancellations but emphasized ongoing discussions with airlines to introduce new services, including potential replacements for those withdrawn by British Airways. “Clearly it’s disappointing when any route is removed; however, we are in constant dialogue with airlines regarding the introduction of new services,” the spokesperson told The Independent.
The competition is heating up for Southampton, particularly with Bournemouth Airport (BOH) located just 30 miles along the coast. While Bournemouth primarily caters to leisure travelers and cargo, it has established a stronghold with Ryanair and Jet2, making it increasingly challenging for Southampton to compete effectively. The presence of these low-cost carriers at Bournemouth could further complicate efforts to regain lost services.
As British Airways departs from Southampton for the upcoming summer season, the focus will shift to how the airport can adapt to the changing landscape and attract new carriers to maintain its operational viability and support local travel needs.