Heathrow Adds New International Connections Including First Direct UK Service to St Louis and Expanded Transatlantic Links

(IN SHORT) Heathrow Airport has announced a series of new airline routes for the spring and summer 2026 season, expanding its network across Europe, Asia, and North America. New and returning services include destinations such as Rome, Seattle, St. Louis, Seville, Tivat, Guernsey, Islamabad, and Lahore, offering greater travel options for passengers and improved connectivity for businesses. The expansion follows strong passenger growth, with Heathrow recording 84.5 million travellers in 2025. With new routes from airlines including British Airways, ITA Airways, Vueling, Pakistan International Airlines, and Alaska Airlines, the airport continues to strengthen its position as a leading global hub while supporting trade and international mobility.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 2026-Mar-17 — /Travel PR News/ — Heathrow Airport is expanding its global reach for the spring and summer 2026 season with a series of new airline routes, offering passengers and businesses increased connectivity across Europe, Asia, and North America. The latest additions further strengthen Heathrow’s position as one of the world’s most connected aviation hubs and reflect continued airline confidence in the airport’s role as a key international gateway.

Among the standout developments is the introduction of the only direct UK service to St. Louis, alongside new and returning routes to destinations including Rome, Seattle, Seville, Tivat, Guernsey, Islamabad, and Lahore. These additions come amid sustained growth in passenger demand, following a record 84.5 million travellers passing through Heathrow in 2025 and the airport’s busiest February on record.

The expanded route network offers a diverse mix of destinations, ranging from major business hubs and cultural capitals to leisure hotspots and emerging travel destinations. The new connections are designed to provide greater flexibility for travellers while also supporting trade by improving access for exporters and importers.

ITA Airways will begin double-daily flights to Rome Fiumicino from late March, enhancing links to one of Europe’s most popular cities and providing additional onward connections. Pakistan International Airlines is reintroducing direct flights to Islamabad after a six-year absence, alongside a new weekly service to Lahore, strengthening connectivity between the UK and Pakistan.

In Southern Europe, Vueling will launch daily services to Seville, adding another Spanish destination to Heathrow’s growing network. Meanwhile, British Airways is introducing several new routes, including the exclusive UK connection to St. Louis, as well as services to Guernsey and Tivat, expanding options for both domestic and Mediterranean travel.

Transatlantic connectivity is also set to increase with Alaska Airlines launching a daily service to Seattle. The route will open access to an extensive network of onward destinations across North America, including Alaska, Hawaii, and key cities along the Pacific coast.

Ross Baker, Heathrow’s Chief Customer Officer, emphasised that each new route enhances opportunities for both travellers and businesses. He noted that increased connectivity remains a priority for passengers and plays a critical role in supporting the UK’s global competitiveness, highlighting the importance of continued airport expansion to meet future demand.

With these additions, Heathrow continues to broaden its network of more than 230 destinations worldwide, reinforcing its role as a central hub for international travel and trade.

About Heathrow 

Heathrow is the UK’s international gateway and the largest airport in Europe – connecting to 230 destinations across 85 countries. The airport welcomes over 200,000 passengers on roughly 1,300 flights each day, and serves as Britain’s hub for trade, tourism and investment. Over 80,000 colleagues work at Heathrow – the airport directly employs about 10% of them, with the rest working for Team Heathrow partners including airlines, ground handlers and retailers.

Media contact:
media_centre@heathrow.com

SOURCE: Heathrow Airport Limited