Melt in the Maldives and shake in Sharm

British Airways is to launch new thrice-weekly direct services from Gatwick to both Male in the Maldives and Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt from October 25, 2009. This will be the first time British Airways has flown to the Maldives, but will be a return for the airline’s colours to the Red Sea resort.

The routes will be operated by Boeing 777 aircraft with a three-class configuration: World Traveller, World Traveller Plus and Club World.

Richard Tams, British Airways’ head of UK & Ireland sales, said: “These new routes will be great assets to the BA network and a real winner with customers. They are both perfect holiday destinations, known for their great beaches and fantastic diving. We’re particularly pleased to be serving a completely new destination, the Maldives and returning to Sharm El Sheikh. We expect both routes to perform well.”

A wide range of good value hotels from independent properties to luxury five-star resorts in both the Maldives and Sharm El Sheikh will be available to book on ba.com giving further choice and flexibility to all holidaymakers.

Tickets will be on sale from Friday May 29, 2009 through ba.com and direct through BA reservations.

Other changes to the network include the cessation of the London Gatwick to New York flight from October 25.

British Airways operates up to ten daily flights to New York and will launch the first ever London City - New York service later this year

Lead-in fares from Gatwick to Male will start from £629 return including taxes, fees and charges. Flights to the Maldives will depart from Gatwick on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday at 7.10pm returning from Male on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 1.20pm local time.

Lead-in fares from Gatwick to Sharm El Sheikh will start from £339 return including taxes, fees and charges. Flights to Sharm El Sheikh will depart from Gatwick on Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 10pm returning on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday at 11am local time.

British Airways last served Sharm El Sheikh through its franchise operator GB Airways, which was sold in March 2008.