British Airways opens new Avios-Only services from London
British Airways will operate Avios‑Only flights from London City Airport to Madrid and 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
| Route | Cash part | Avios required | Included baggage |
|---|---|---|---|
| London City – Toulon Saint‑Tropez | £2 | 21,500 Avios | 23kg checked bag |
| London City – Madrid | £2 | 28,000 Avios | 23kg checked bag |
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
Travellers flying into London City Airport 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 grea
