European low-cost carrier Vueling is to commence services from London-Heathrow Airport (LHR) for the first time in its history. The airline, part of the International Airline Group (IAG) will begin flying from Heathrow to Barcelona (BCN) in Spain and Paris-Orly (ORY) from April 7, 2024.
The move into operating from Heathrow expands the airline’s footprint beyond its main hub at London Gatwick, which it has served for several years. Seats on both routes are already on sale.
Vueling will operate two flights per day, seven days per week to Barcelona-El Prat Airport. The flights to Barcelona represent something of a doubling up for the carrier, as it also serves the Spanish city eight times per day from London-Gatwick Airport. With the addition of the new services, ten Vueling flights per day will head to Barcelona from London’s two main airports.
Meanwhile, Heathrow to Paris Orly Airport represents an entirely new route for the airline, although it flies from Gatwick to several other European destinations. Flights to Paris will run once daily, seven days per week. The route, which does not benefit from flights operated by any other airline, marks a significant milestone in Vueling’s strategy for establishing itself further in the French market, demonstrating its commitment to its passengers.
The opening of the Paris route is particularly well-timed given the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, providing travelers with a convenient and direct new option to reach the French capital from London.
“We are delighted to relaunch operations from London Heathrow, the UK’s largest airport,” said Carolyn Prowse, Chief Commercial Customer, Network and Strategy Officer at Vueling. “These two new routes are in addition to our existing operation from London Gatwick and positions Vueling as one of the key airlines connecting these major hubs across Europe.”
“Barcelona is our largest hub, and we will now offer up to ten daily flights from London overall, while Paris Orly is our second largest operating base, and is currently not served from Heathrow at all. This relaunch has been possible thanks to our strong collaboration with British Airways,” she added.
Vueling, along with British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Level form the membership of IAG. Vueling’s fleet currently consists of 125 aircraft, all from the Airbus A320 narrowbody family. The fleet breaks down into six A319s, 97 A320ceo/neo, and 22 A321ceo/neo aircraft.