British Airways Announces New Nonstop Service Between St. Louis and London Heathrow, Starting April 2026 Wednesday October 1, 2025 By Catherine Neville ST. LOUIS, Missouri (Oct. 1, 2025) – British Airways will soon be touching down in St. Louis, Missouri, offering travel trade professionals a new transatlantic opportunity for customers across the Midwest. Beginning April 19, 2026, the airline will launch seasonal nonstop service between St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR), operating four flights per week. As the only nonstop flight to the U.K. from the region, this new service will give St. Louis-based travelers direct access to one of the world’s most important global hubs while creating inbound opportunities for international visitors eager to discover the culture, attractions and business infrastructure of the Gateway City. “We’re thrilled to be adding St. Louis to our U.S. network, a city known for its proud history, vibrant culture and growing demand for international travel,” said Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer. “As the only non-stop flight to the U.K., this new service makes it easier than ever for travelers across the Midwest to connect with London and beyond, while also welcoming more customers to experience everything St. Louis has to offer.” Impact on Meetings, Events and Regional Economy Brad Dean, President and CEO of Explore St. Louis, highlighted the benefits for leisure, business and group travel. “This nonstop service is a win for independent leisure travelers, international visitors, and the meetings and events industry,” said Dean. “It gives global companies and associations a direct, competitive option to convene in our centrally located, state-of-the-art convention complex, while also making it easier for independent travelers to explore St. Louis’ vibrant neighborhoods, cultural attractions, and culinary scene. This flight strengthens our ability to attract conventions, incentive groups, and major international events while welcoming more individual adventurers seeking authentic St. Louis experiences.” This new service creates two-way opportunities for travel trade partners. For U.S. outbound markets, London offers customers iconic sightseeing from Big Ben and Westminster Abbey to Borough Market, Shoreditch and Notting Hill. For inbound markets, St. Louis offers a quintessentially American experience, with authentic music, cultural institutions, international sporting events and attractions. In addition, the launch of this new direct service is well timed to coincide with major milestones like the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in nearby host cities. “Connectivity is the lifeblood of the global travel economy,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO, U.S. Travel Association. “With the launch of British Airways’ nonstop service to St. Louis from London, European travelers now have a direct gateway to the heart of the United States. St. Louis is an authentically American city that offers a vibrant mix of history, culture and innovation, making it an unforgettable destination for both leisure and business travelers.” Key Benefits for the Travel Trade • Convenient Transatlantic Access: Customers in the Midwest can connect directly to London in just 8 to 9 hours. • Seamless Global Connections: Through British Airways’ extensive network at Heathrow and the Atlantic Joint Business with American Airlines, Iberia, Finnair, Aer Lingus and LEVEL, travelers gain smooth onward connections across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. • Premium Product Options: Service will be operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, offering three cabins: World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and Club World (business class). • Club World Experience: Business class customers will enjoy the award-winning Club Suite, featuring direct aisle access, a full flat bed, a 17-inch entertainment screen, and elevated brasserie-style dining. “The launch of nonstop service from London Heathrow to St. Louis is an exciting milestone. The U.K. remains the United States’ largest overseas market, and this new direct connectivity creates more opportunity to welcome visitors, and highlight experiences the U.S. and Midwest offer – especially as we look ahead to America250, the FIFA World Cup and the Route 66 centennial in 2026. We thank British Airways for their continued investment in U.S. expansion,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of Brand USA, the nation's official destination marketing organization. ### Explore St. Louis is the driving force behind St. Louis’ $5.7 billion convention and tourism industry, the official destination marketing organization of St. Louis City and County, and operator of the America’s Center Convention Complex and The Dome. For more information, contact: Catherine Neville Vice President, Communications Explore St. Louiscneville@explorestlouis.com (O) 314-992-0654 / (M) 314-629-2282 BerlinRosenPublic Relations AgencyExplore St. Louisexplorestl@berlinrosen.com Share
