British Airways has been forced to make significant adjustments to its long-haul network due to ongoing supply issues with the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines that power its Boeing 787 Dreamliners. One of the latest changes involves the cancellation of flights between London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH), a route that has been a staple of the airline’s international service.
On December 17, British Airways informed its travel partners that, due to the continued engine supply issues, it would suspend flights between Heathrow and Abu Dhabi for a significant portion of the year. The cancellations will take effect between March 30, 2025, and October 25, 2025, coinciding with the summer season as defined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This marks the latest development in an ongoing issue that has disrupted British Airways’ long-haul operations, particularly those relying on the Boeing 787 fleet.
As a result of these cancellations, British Airways has arranged for its affected passengers to be rebooked onto Etihad Airways flights, with the Abu Dhabi-based carrier offering 28 weekly flights during the same period. This move is designed to minimize disruption for travelers, as Etihad will provide a robust alternative to the daily British Airways service on the same route.
British Airways’ decision to cancel these flights highlights the ongoing challenges the airline faces with the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine. The engine, which has been plagued by reliability issues, has affected the availability and operational capability of the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. This has led to adjustments in British Airways’ flight schedule and capacity across several international routes.
While the airline has worked to mitigate the impact on passengers by partnering with Etihad, these cancellations are a reminder of the significant challenges posed by aircraft and engine supply chain disruptions, particularly for long-haul carriers. The full extent of the issues remains a concern, as British Airways continues to adjust its operations to address engine shortages and keep its long-haul network running smoothly.