January 2025
The routes to get excited about this year
From revamped lounges to some shiny new routes – plus, a big birthday thrown in for good measure – here are the destinations every Executive Club Member should know for 2025
Dubai, UAE
Why: New lounge! Increased route frequency!
There’s always something new to thrill in this glitzy desert city, which, this summer, will be served by an increased three daily direct flights from London Heathrow. In 2025, you can holiday at the new Six Senses The Palm resort and residences, kitted out with a zen-inducing spa – or dial up the action at the incoming Zuma Dubai Beachhouse at La Mer, complete with pool, daybeds and DJ. You’ll also be able to visit the world’s first football theme park, Real Madrid World, and the immersive new Arte Museum Dubai exhibition space. Even the Burj Khalifa has something to celebrate, as it marks 15 years as the world’s tallest structure. Perhaps most excitingly of all, though, Dubai International Airport (DXB) is where we’ll be revealing our brand-new global lounge design concept. And while official details are still firmly under wraps, the new lounge promises a whole new look and feel. Rest assured, we’ll bring you more as we have it.
Rimini, Salerno and Olbia
Why: New routes!
It’s the year to head to the bel paese, as fresh spots for foodies, active travellers and sunseekers become all the more accessible thanks to our brand-new flutter of flights launching in May. Take off to Rimini – gateway to the Emilia-Romagna region – via a new route from London Heathrow, starting 15 May 2025, and tour balsamic vinegar and cheese producers nestled among the rolling landscapes. Or, fly to Salerno from London Gatwick from 22 May, tackling the rugged hiking trails of Monti Picentini regional park or the world-famous Amalfi Coast. For that slower-paced Mediterranean living, sun yourself in Olbia (we’ll be flying there from London City in from 25 May) and explore the pin-up beaches of northern Sardinia.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Why: New route!
From April this year, we’re making our big return to Malaysia’s capital city from London Heathrow – meaning it’ll be that much easier to take in the silvery twin peaks of the Petronas Towers, the Malay-meets-Chinese-meets-Indian cuisine that fragrances street food hubs like Lot 10 Hutong, and all the many religious marvels, ranging from vast mosques to Hindu shrines in limestone caves. Bed down in the city (new openings for 2025 include Park Hyatt and Kimpton, which will be available to book via British Airways Holidays) before escaping the urban jungle for Malaysia’s own tropical jewel Langkawi, where turquoise waters are backed by jade peaks and swaying palms. Ready, set, downtime...
Miami, USA
Why: New lounge!
With its surf-lapped beachfront, colourful neighbourhoods and thriving modern arts scene, we never need a reason to visit Miami. But, as of late, the food scene has been seriously hot, showcasing imports from around the globe – think new Buenos-Aires-born La Ferneteria or Jon & Vinny’s from Los Angeles. Great food spells great fuel for sightseeing, whether you’re exploring hip Little River or the lush grounds of Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. And on the way home (via our biggest aircraft, the double-decker A380), why not sample the bites served up in our soon-to-be-revealed lounge in Miami Airport? As with Dubai, Miami’s new lounge will show off the new global design concept, elevating all that you currently know and love about our transatlantic lounges. Keep your eyes peeled for the opening date, coming soon…
Tbilisi, Georgia
Why: New route!
The underrated Georgian capital is ripe for exploration this spring, as we launch our four new direct flights a week to the city from London Heathrow, starting 30 March 2025. Soak up the unique blend of east and west, exploring the old town’s 4th-century fortress Narikala, riding the cable car over the skyline and seeing breath-taking orthodox Tsminda Sameba cathedral with its soaring central towers. Then, urban highlights ticked off, see what the surrounding countryside has to offer – namely dramatic landscapes, vineyards and beautiful, uncrowded old towns. Try a road trip through Kakheti, an hour’s east of Tbilisi. It’s home to the country’s most high-profile wineries.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Why: Big birthday!
It’s birthday candles at the ready for the Dutch capital’s 750th anniversary in 2025, where the city celebrates the whole year through with sports events, parties, exhibitions and workshops. Spend a chilly winter’s afternoon warming up in a floating sauna at Buurtwerkplaats Noorderhof or attend a celebratory symphony from the visiting Berlin Philharmonic at The Royal Concertgebouw. In between the special events you can tick off all that makes Amsterdam timeless: cosy brown cafés pouring jenever, canal boat rides and epic galleries including the Old Masters-stuffed Rijksmuseum and contemporary Stedelijk Museum. A date for the diary: 21 June 2025, the longest day of the year, where the celebrations are set to culminate with a big ol’ street party on the 15km, car-free Ring A10.
Seattle, USA
Why: Revamped lounge! Route anniversary!
Coming soon, a royally revamped lounge is raring to welcome you to this Pacific Northwest city, with a brand-new bar and an enhanced menu offering in the works. 2025 also marks 45 years of our flying to Seattle, making this the perfect time to tick off the home of Starbucks, Pike Place Market and, of course, Sleepless in Seattle. But don’t just come for the state capital. Washington State is brimming with wondrous nature, from active volcano Mount Rainier – topped with an icy peak and ringed in wildflower meadows – to grey and humpback whales in Puget Sound. There are waterfalls aplenty, too. Head to Snoqualmie or Olympic National Park for some of the very best.
From major sporting events and new hotel openings, high profile filming locations and new route launches, our 20 for '25 covers even more exciting destinations for the year ahead. Happy planning!
This article has been tagged BA, Destination
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