British Airways opens new Avios‑Only services from London City to Madrid and Toulon Saint‑Tropez

British Airways will operate Avios‑Only flights from Lotnisko London City do Madryt oraz Toulon Saint‑Tropez, marking the airline’s 50th Avios‑Only service and introducing routes available exclusively for redemption bookings on 12 February 2026. Fares start at just £2 plus 28,000 Avios for Madrid and £2 plus 21,500 Avios for Toulon, each including a 23kg checked bag and departure from the capital’s centrally located business airport.

Routes, dates and quick booking facts

The two routes target summer leisure demand: Madrid over the late May bank holiday and Toulon as the closest airport for Saint‑Tropez. Seats will be released exclusively to members of The British Airways Club and can be booked via ba.com. These Avios‑Only flights add to a program that began in 2023 and has operated flights to 16 destinations, including Cape Town, Barbados, Málaga and Marrakesh.

Fares and what they include

How Avios‑Only bookings differ from standard Reward Seats

• All seats on the Avios‑Only flight are redeemable using Avios rather than only a limited allocation.
• Bookings can be made in any cabin via the airline’s normal channels; loyalty status and cabin class rules continue to apply.
• British Airways American Express Credit Cardholders may use Companion Vouchers to secure a second seat for just taxes and charges.
• Standard Reward Seat guarantees remain on other services (e.g., minimum seats at Heathrow/Gatwick and London City).

Operational context and network impact

Since the initiative launched, the Avios‑Only program has expanded the airline’s ability to convert loyalty points into full‑flight redemptions on peak travel dates. The Madrid return flight marks the program’s 50th dedicated Avios‑Only sector, illustrating the carrier’s push to offer flexible redemption inventory and stimulate off‑peak demand for city and leisure travel alike.

What this means for passengers and ground transport

Travelers flying into Lotnisko London City will benefit from reduced surface transfer times compared with Heathrow or Gatwick, which can affect choices for taxis, airport transfers and private car hires. For arrivals into Toulon, proximity to Saint‑Tropez places greater emphasis on booking reliable onward transfers—private cars, multi‑seater vans or limousines—especially during summer peak windows when demand spikes.

Practical tips for transfer bookings

• Prebook transfers to guarantee exact pickup times and vehicle class.
• Confirm luggage allowances and driver meeting points at the airport terminal.
• Compare fares and vehicle details to balance price with comfort (e.g., private sedan vs. 6‑seater van for groups).

Both Colm Lacy, British Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, and Adam Daniels, IAG Loyalty’s CEO, framed the expansion as a loyalty‑led play to increase redemption opportunities and reward frequent flyers during high‑demand periods. The move underlines how airlines can use dedicated reward inventory to stimulate bookings while offering predictable options for travelers who plan in advance.

Key operational advantages for passengers include the predictability of taxes and the ability to select cabins using points, while the most practical drawback remains inventory timing: Avios‑Only seats are popular and can sell out quickly, so advance planning is recommended.

Highlights of this development show a clear link between airline redemption programs and ground transport demand: concentrated redemptions to city or resort airports change the profile of taxi and transfer bookings, shifting volume toward specific windows and vehicle types. At a glance, frequent travellers who want to avoid surprises should have a mind to book both flight and transfer in one go.

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In summary, the new Avios‑Only flights to Madrid and Toulon Saint‑Tropez increase redemption capacity at London City Airport for summer travel, with fares starting at low cash deposits plus Avios and checked baggage included. The move affects how travellers plan ground logistics—taxi and transfer choices, vehicle size, pickup time and total fare become key considerations. For those who prefer to know how much a transfer will cost and to see car and driver details in advance, GetTransfer.com supplies a global, user‑friendly solution for booking personalized airport transfers, trips and deliveries, offering transparent prices, clear vehicle options and verified drivers to match the exact needs of city arrivals and destination departures.