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British Airways is to reinstate a connection between London Gatwick and Manchester after a hiatus of many years.
The route was suspended during a long process of “de-hubbing” BA’s operation at Gatwick with a focus on point-to-point traffic. It was a one of a number of domestic routes suspended at Gatwick including Aberdeen and Newcastle.
At present, timetables indicate that the route will operate once-daily. An early morning departure from Manchester will facilitate connections to long-haul flights at Gatwick.
BA is also transferring long-haul flights from London Heathrow Accra and to Gatwick from 28 March 2021.
More broadly, this does suggest that BA is intent on restoring its short-haul operation at Gatwick next summer and preserving its slot portfolio.
That said, as ever in the current environment everything is subject to change at short notice.
Update March 2021
BA has delayed the start of Manchester flights at Gatwick until Sunday 31 October 2021. Flights to Accra and Islamabad will also continue to operate at London Heathrow throughout the summer season.
This is wonderful news. Absolutely fed up of having to drive from Cheshire to Gatwick to catch the BA flight to Tampa several times a year. Then, of course, is the drive back up North again after an overnight transatlantic flight. It was so frustrating to see multiple daily flights to Heathrow and not even a single one to Gatwick. Not before time but very welcome nonetheless!