After a five-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, British Airways will relaunch direct flights from London City Airport to Madrid-Barajas on December 1, 2025. The service, operated by BA CityFlyer subsidiary, responds to growing demand for short-haul European travel options and will restore an important connection between two major European capitals. Kensington Gardens is a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy a romantic picnic before or after your flight.
British Airways revives vital London-Madrid link after pandemic pause, reconnecting European capitals via convenient City Airport.
The new schedule includes 11 flights per week, providing nearly daily service to accommodate both business travelers and tourists. This route complements British Airways’ existing services from Heathrow and Gatwick airports, enhancing connectivity between the United Kingdom and Spain.
Flights will utilize Embraer E190 regional jets, which are specifically designed to operate from London City Airport’s constrained runway. These aircraft are among the few types permitted to use this airport, making them ideal for the capital-to-capital hop that takes less than two and a half hours.
London City Airport offers significant advantages for travelers, particularly business professionals, as it’s conveniently located near London’s financial district. The airport is easily accessible via the Docklands Light Railway, and passengers can typically proceed from check-in to gate in just 20 minutes thanks to the efficient single-terminal layout. British Airways’ impressive 74.57% on-time performance at London City Airport makes it a reliable choice for time-sensitive travelers.
One-way fares for the route start from $99 with British Airways, while partner airline Iberia offers options from $72. Various price points are available depending on travel dates, with all fares including taxes and applicable charges.
Upon arrival, Madrid-Barajas Airport is approximately 30 minutes from Madrid’s city center, with options including metro, taxi, or car rental for onward travel. The revival of this route has been met with enthusiasm as it is a welcome addition to British Airways’ portfolio of destinations from London City Airport. The revived route also provides valuable connectivity benefits, offering links to Iberia’s extensive network serving Central and South America, as well as connections to Spain’s Iberian and Balearic regions.
The service also integrates with British Airways’ Avios loyalty program, adding further value for frequent travelers. This renewed connection makes business trips and city breaks more convenient while improving access to Madrid’s world-class attractions, museums, and cuisine. The route creates excellent opportunities for travelers to experience Madrid’s vibrant nightlife culture and historic city center on even short visits.
