British Airways expands its US network with St. Louis, its 27th US destination and only direct UK link to the city. Inaugural flight set for April 2026, timed with the 100th anniversary of Route 66.
- St. Louis is the latest addition to British Airways’ route network, becoming the airline’s 27th US destination and only direct UK link to the city
- The inaugural flight will operate in April 2026, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Route 66, which runs through the city.
- The flag carrier will operate a four-weekly service from London Heathrow to St. Louis, with return fares starting from £529
- This follows British Airways’ frequency boost for popular US destinations, including Miami, San Diego and Austin
British Airways is expanding its transatlantic network with the launch of a new direct service from London Heathrow to St. Louis, Missouri.
The new route makes British Airways the only UK airline to offer direct flights to St. Louis – a destination known for its history, culture and character. From its iconic Gateway Arch to its vibrant neighbourhoods, expansive green spaces and thriving food and music scenes, the city offers something for every customer.
Flights will begin on 19 April 2026 and operate four times per week throughout the summer season.
The launch coincides with the 100th anniversary of Route 66 – the legendary highway that begins in Chicago and winds through St. Louis on its way to Los Angeles. The city’s stretch of the “Mother Road” is packed with Americana charm, from vintage diners and neon signs to historic motels and roadside attractions, offering the perfect starting point for travellers seeking a classic US road trip experience.
Beyond its Route 66 heritage, St. Louis is home to Forest Park – one of the largest urban parks in the US –, a range of free museums and a thriving craft beer scene, making it an ideal destination for both short breaks and longer adventures. The city also boasts a proud sporting legacy, with teams including the St. Louis Cardinals (Major League Baseball), Blues (National Hockey League) and City Soccer Club (Major League Soccer), earning the title of “Ultimate Sports City” by ESPN The Magazine.
Customers have a choice of three cabins – World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and Club World (business class) – with return fares from £529, on sale today.
Customers in Club World will be able to experience the airline’s latest business class seat, Club Suite, on selected flights, offering personal space with direct aisle access, a full flat bed and a 17” high-resolution screen for entertainment. The cabin also features a brasserie-style dining experience, with a choice of freshly prepared starters, mains, desserts and cheeses.
Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said: “St. Louis is a fantastic addition to our US network – it’s a destination in itself as a city with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene, as well as a gateway to exciting destinations beyond this. As the only direct route from the UK, this service will open up exciting new opportunities for our customers and further strengthen ties between the UK and the US Midwest.”
St. Louis becomes the airline’s 27th US destination, with British Airways flying to more cities across the country than any other UK airline. With this new route, customers have access to one of the world’s most extensive global networks. The service will also benefit from the Atlantic Joint Business partnership with American Airlines, Iberia, Finnair, Aer Lingus and LEVEL, offering seamless connections and competitive fares across Europe and North America.
The launch of St. Louis flights follows British Airways’ recent frequency increases to popular US destinations. From Summer 2026, the airline will reintroduce its double-daily service to Miami and daily flights to Dallas-Fort Worth, increase flights to Las Vegas from 10 to 13 per week, and fly to both San Diego and Austin 14 times per week. New York (JFK) will operate exclusively from London Heathrow, with nine daily flights, including a new service operated by the airline’s 777-200 fleet, featuring First and Club Suite – offering a more premium experience for every customer travelling on its flagship route.
St. Louis Fly-Drive – British Airways Holidays offers seven days car hire plus return flights (World Traveller) from London Heathrow Airport, from £799pp, travelling on selected dates between April – May 2026 inclusive. Includes one checked bag per person. Book by 15 October 2025. For reservations, visit ba.com
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