British Airways launches flights to Cologne

It may be the height of summer but Christmas markets and pints of Kölsch are on the horizon as British Airways launches a brand-new route to the German city of Cologne.

The airline has announced it will be adding a new four-per-week service from Gatwick airport to the winter break hotspot, located on both sides of the Rhine, from 16 November 2018.

Cologne (Köln), Germany’s fourth largest city, offers a plethora of attractions led by its famous cathedral whose filigree twin spires dominate the skyline.

Known for its art, history and architecture, visitors can immerse themselves in the avant-garde before enjoying a dish of the local speciality Himmel un Ääd, mashed potato with apple sauce and sausage.

For those with a sweeter tooth, a trip to the famous chocolate museum is a must before spending the evening at one of the many beer halls experiencing the liberal Rhinelander spirit, or soaking up the party atmosphere in one of the countless bars or restaurants. No other German city has as many pubs per capita.

Cologne's Christmas Market is a popular tourist attraction

The highlight of the Cologne calendar is the six-day street carnival known as ‘Crazy Days’. Normal life is suspended in Cologne as the city celebrates in a colourful spectacle of eclectic costumes, dancing, sequins, parades and parties where more than one million revellers take to the streets for the largest carnival in Europe.

During the winter season customers will be able to fly direct for the first time with British Airways, with services taking off on Mondays, Thursdays. Fridays and Sundays; offering holidaymakers the perfect excuse to visit one of the seven Christmas markets.

Adam Carson, British Airways’ managing director of Gatwick, said: “Cologne adds another exciting destination to our Gatwick network and is perfect for a winter break. Cologne is becoming increasingly popular due to being a cultural hub and is a living textbook on art, history and architecture.”

The addition of the Cologne route follows the introduction of a Gatwick to Las Vegas flight that operates thrice-weekly all year round.

The airline is also increasing the number of flights it operates to other popular city break destinations from Gatwick this winter, with more flights to Palma in Mallorca, Turin, Lanzarote, Malaga and Geneva.

Travellers wanting to head further afield this winter have a new destination: the South African city of Durban with the start of a direct service from Heathrow Terminal 5.

The new routes come as British Airways rolls out a £4.5 billion, five-year customer investment plan, with a focus on excellence in the premium cabins and more choice and quality for all its customers. This year British Airways rolled out its first fully refreshed Boeing 777 aircraft with brand-new World Traveller Plus and World Traveller seats in new cabins – which will operate exclusively on long-haul routes out of Gatwick.