British Airways: Network Expansion and Loyalty Programme Changes Shape 2026

Introduction: Britain’s Flag Carrier Navigates Change

British Airways continues to solidify its position as the United Kingdom’s premier airline, balancing ambitious expansion plans with significant changes to its loyalty programme. As the carrier approaches 2026, recent developments demonstrate both its commitment to growth and the evolving economics of air travel. With over 100 years of aviation history, British Airways remains a vital connector for British travellers and international passengers alike, serving more than 200 destinations across 65 countries.

Route Expansion and Operational Excellence

British Airways is expanding its network with new short-haul destinations including Tivat in Montenegro and Guernsey in the Channel Islands, with seasonal flights to Tivat launching on 14 May 2026. The airline has also made substantial investments in operational performance, with £100m invested in improving operational resilience, achieving 86 per cent on-time flights from London Heathrow in the first quarter of 2025. These improvements come as part of a broader £7bn transformation investment programme designed to deliver a world-class customer experience.

Avios Loyalty Programme Devaluation

However, not all news has been positive for frequent flyers. The British Airways Club loyalty programme increased award pricing as of December 15, 2025, citing increasing UK APD, market conditions, and ongoing inflation. The British Airways Club programme has increased the cost of all award tickets by up to 14%, with most British Airways flights seeing a 10% increase. This devaluation particularly affects short-haul routes, traditionally the programme’s strongest value proposition for travellers seeking award redemptions.

Conclusion: Balancing Growth with Customer Value

British Airways finds itself at a crossroads between expansion and programme sustainability. Whilst the airline’s network growth and operational improvements signal positive momentum for passengers, the Avios devaluation reflects broader industry pressures affecting loyalty programmes worldwide. For British travellers, the key takeaway is clear: British Airways remains committed to expanding connectivity and service quality, but loyalty programme members must adapt to higher redemption costs. As the airline continues its transformation journey, passengers should carefully evaluate award bookings and stay informed about ongoing changes to maximise their travel investments.