BRITISH AIRWAYS AXES POPULAR ROUTE - WITH WARNING THAT TRAVELLERS COULD END UP PAYING MORE
Every week, thousands of passengers fly from London Gatwick to New York JFK on British Airways.
However, in a shock move, BA has confirmed it will axe this daily route from 25 October 2025.
Flights to New York will now all be from London Heathrow, instead.
While New York remains BA’s busiest long-haul market, the change removes a major competitor from Gatwick, stripping out more than 3,500 passengers from the airport.
Now, just Delta and Norse Atlantic will fly to New York from Gatwick - and this reduced supply is due to have a huge knock-on effect on prices.
Fares at Gatwick are likely to be pushed up, especially around peak periods, last-minute bookings, and premium leisure dates.
Heathrow, by contrast, will stay highly competitive with BA, American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Delta running a dense New York shuttle.
And it's holidaymakers in South London, Sussex, and Kent who will pay the biggest price.
Losing Gatwick means they will have to use Heathrow instead, which adds both time and money.
Heathrow Express walk-up fares are £25 one-way, whereas the Gatwick Express is £22, or £10 more per person on average.
For a family of four, just shifting airports could mean £40 extra in transport costs before they’ve even boarded the plane, as found by Dot Dot Loans.
Paul Gillooly, Travel Finance Expert & Director at Dot Dot Loans, says: 'On the surface, BA’s move is simply about consolidating fewer routes at Gatwick, more at Heathrow.
'But for passengers, the ripple effects are financial.
'If you live in South London or along the Brighton line, losing Gatwick means longer journeys, extra ground transport costs, and fewer chances to find a bargain fare.
'The reality is that a family of four could be paying £100 more once you add in higher ticket prices and the extra expense of getting to Heathrow.'
He continues: 'What many travellers don’t realise is how powerful small hacks can be in this situation.
'Something as simple as looking for "All London" instead of a single airport, when booking, can unlock cheaper fares that aren’t visible otherwise.
'Likewise, swapping JFK for Newark can save £150 or more on a family booking.
'The key lesson is that even when airlines take options away, there are still ways for passengers to protect their wallets, but only if they know where to look.
'As we head into the 2026 travel season, this story isn’t just about one cancelled route.
'It’s about how families adapt, how competition shapes fares, and how being a smart planner can turn what feels like a loss into a chance to save.'
Read more- Can British Airways' economical ticket price and exceptional service beat Virgin Atlantic on the fierce London to New York route?
- Why is the popular British Airways route between London and New York suspended until 2025, affecting 103 flights?
- Could you be throwing money away by sticking to one airport? Discover how savvy flyers save £200 with this simple airfare trick!
- Airlines losing millions: How Gatwick's staffing crisis is wreaking havoc on passengers and businesses alike!
- Is London's famed Heathrow Express ripping off unsuspecting travelers with sky-high prices? Unveil why some Tube lines might be your better bet!