There was some fantastic news today with the announcement that British Airways are reintroducing their London Heathrow – Inverness link in May next year. British Airways previously operated flights from Heathrow to Inverness  for 29 years until November 16, 1997, which were suspended for commercial reasons.

Perhaps the route planners at BA took pity on me following my journey up to Inverness on the overnight Megabus and have put this on for me! I know that MummyAirmiles will be able to make full use of it for her Avios redemptions.

The press release gave some more details:

The new year-round service will start on May 3 2016, connecting Inverness directly with Heathrow’s T5 and British Airways’ global network, serving more than 130 destinations around the world. Operating an Airbus A319, with up to 143 seats, will also help encourage tourists from around the world to visit the region, famous for its dramatic landscape, turbulent history and the warm welcome of its people.

Denize Mcgregor, British Airways’ head of UK customer service and operations, said: “We are very pleased to be starting our new service to Inverness. As the capital of the Highlands, Inverness has a strong and diverse economy and has developed into a major centre for life sciences, commercialisation and research. “British Airways’ daily flights will benefit the Inverness economy by linking the business community of the city and its environs with our global network of more than 130 destinations, and help boost the area’s vital in-bound tourism sector by bringing even more visitors to this beautiful and historic city, with its unique environment, scenery and culture.”

Inglis Lyon, managing director of Inverness Airport operator, HIAL, said: “We are delighted to welcome British Airways back to Inverness Airport. This is a significant achievement for the airport as British Airways is a world class airline, serving more than 130 international destinations from Heathrow, giving passengers from Inverness access to a truly global network. “Through our efforts, and with the support of our partners, Inverness Airport has done what few other regional airports have achieved in recent years, attracting one of the world’s leading airlines and securing access to the UK’s hub airport at the same time.

The outbound flight, BA1486 will depart LHR at 09:55 and arrive in  INV at 11:30. The return, BA1469, departs at 12:10, arriving into LHR at 13:40.

I will have to make a visit home to try out the new service and report back!