Founded: 1974
Headquarters: Harmondsworth, near London Heathrow, United Kingdom
Main hubs: London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW)
British Airways is the flag carrier of the United Kingdom and one of the world’s best-known airlines. From its home at London Heathrow, it connects the UK with destinations on every inhabited continent. Here is a profile of the airline and what to know before you fly.
British Airways’ background
British Airways was formed in 1974 from the merger of two state-owned airlines, BOAC and BEA, whose histories stretch back to the very beginnings of commercial aviation in 1919. It was privatised in 1987 and is a founding member of the oneworld alliance, alongside partners such as American Airlines and Qatar Airways. Today it is part of International Airlines Group (IAG), together with Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vueling. Between 1976 and 2003, BA was also famous for flying the supersonic Concorde.
The fleet
British Airways operates a large fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft. Long-haul routes are flown by the Airbus A380 and A350 and Boeing 777s and 787 Dreamliners, while Airbus A320-family jets serve most European routes.
Network and service
The airline flies to around 200 destinations worldwide. Heathrow Terminal 5 is its main base, with extensive lounges for premium passengers and members of its loyalty programme, the British Airways Club, which uses Avios points. On long-haul flights BA offers First, Club (business class), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and World Traveller (economy). On European routes, cabins are Club Europe and Euro Traveller.
Safety
British Airways operates to the strict standards of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, with highly trained crews and a well-maintained fleet.
British Airways and Israel
British Airways flies between London Heathrow and Tel Aviv, giving Israeli travellers convenient access to London and connections to North America and beyond. Like many foreign airlines, it has suspended and resumed its Israel flights depending on the security situation – read British Airways’ return to Israel and check the latest schedule before booking.
Tips for flying British Airways
- Get your UK ETA: Israelis travelling to the UK now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation before flying – see our guide to countries requiring travel authorisation.
- Compare fare types: the cheapest Euro Traveller fares may include hand luggage only.
- Know the airport: most BA flights use Heathrow Terminal 5 – see our London Heathrow guide.
- Allow time to connect: Heathrow is huge, so leave enough time between flights.
Compare BA with its European rivals in our profiles of Air France and Lufthansa, and with its oneworld partner American Airlines.
