For the first time in nearly 27 months, British Airways will land at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), as the first nonstop London-Pittsburgh flight is expected to arrive at 7:50pm this evening.
Operating year-round on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, the flights provide visitors from around the world with a direct path to exciting Only in Pittsburgh attractions and experiences.
Since the return of the year-round service was first announced in Dec. 2021, VisitPITTSBURGH, in collaboration with PIT and with the assistance of Black Diamond, a U.K.-based agency, increased its international marketing efforts through the International Collaborative. From collaborating on events with travel media and tour agents/operators, both in Pittsburgh and in London, to increased ad buys and press trips with international travel writers, the goal has been to drive visitation and create a positive impact on the Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania travel economies.
“The return of British Airways year-round nonstop services between Pittsburgh International Airport and London Heathrow Airport reinforces that Pittsburgh is a major tourism destination for leisure and business travelers,” VisitPITTSBURGH President & CEO Jerad Bachar says. “This route is the most critical international route that we could hope for in a city like Pittsburgh. It connects us to markets not only in the U.K. but around the world.”
According to PIT, the flights are expected to generate more than $50 million annually to the Pittsburgh regional economy.
“To the community that supported the flight when it came back after 20 years, it was a big deal to get it back in the first place,” Pittsburgh International Airport CEO Christina Cassotis said. “BA really, really took the time to understand and believe in this market.”
Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Director of Networks and Alliances, added, “We’re delighted to be returning to the vibrant city of Pittsburgh, offering the only direct route to and from London. This summer we’ll be flying to 26 cities across the US. With great fares and an extensive route network, we look forward to welcoming our customers back on board.”
The flights will again operate on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamline, departing from London Heathrow at 4:45 p.m. local time and landing in Pittsburgh at 7:50 p.m. local time. The return flight will depart Pittsburgh at 9:50 p.m., arriving in London at 10:10 a.m. the following day.
British Airways first resumed service to Pittsburgh in 2019 following a 20-year hiatus. Though the flight operated successfully for a year, pandemic-related travel restrictions forced the flight’s suspension in 2020.
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