St. Louis to Become British Airways' 27th U.S. Destination
British Airways is adding a new destination to its transatlantic network with the launch of a direct service from its hub at London Heathrow (LHR) to St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), Missouri. This addition makes the city the airline's 27th destination in the United States.
Lufthansa currently operates the only transatlantic route in St. Louis, with three weekly flights to Frankfurt.
According to a press release from British Airways, flights will commence on April 19, 2026, and will operate four times a week during the summer season. This new service positions the company as the only airline offering a direct connection between the United Kingdom and St. Louis.
The route's launch coincides with the 100th-anniversary celebration of the iconic Route 66, the legendary highway that runs through St. Louis on its way from Chicago to Los Angeles. This provides an additional attraction for travelers looking to experience a classic American road trip.

The city, known for its landmark Gateway Arch, also boasts a prominent cultural, culinary, and sports scene, home to teams like the St. Louis Cardinals (MLB) and the Blues (NHL). Neil Chernoff, British Airways' Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, commented that "St. Louis is a fantastic addition to our U.S. network, both as a destination in itself and as a gateway to other exciting places."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When do British Airways flights to St. Louis begin? The inaugural flights are scheduled for April 19, 2026, operating throughout the summer season.
How often will the new London – St. Louis route operate? The route will have a frequency of four weekly flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
What is the significance of St. Louis for travelers? Besides its cultural and historical value, St. Louis is a key point on the famous Route 66, whose centenary is celebrated in 2026, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the American Midwest.
Is British Airways the only airline flying direct from the UK? Yes, with this launch, British Airways will be the only airline to offer a direct air service between the United Kingdom and St. Louis.
Schedule and frequencies for the St. Louis flight
The flights will offer three classes of service: World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), and Club World (business). In the latter, passengers on selected flights will have access to the Club Suite, which offers direct aisle access and converts into a fully flat bed.
Flight | Day | Departure Airport | Departure Time | Arrival Airport | Arrival Time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BA221 | Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | LHR | 16:25 | STL | 19:30 |
BA220 | Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | STL | 22:00 | LHR | 12:05 (+1) |
Expansion in the United States
The opening of the St. Louis route is part of a broader strategy to strengthen British Airways' network in the United States. Starting in the summer of 2026, the airline will reintroduce its double-daily service to Miami (MIA) and daily flights to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW).
Additionally, it will increase frequencies to Las Vegas (LAS) from 10 to 13 per week, and both San Diego (SAN) and Austin (AUS) will see an increase to 14 weekly flights. Meanwhile, the route to New York (JFK) will operate exclusively from London Heathrow with nine daily flights.
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