London Heathrow Airport is launching a wave of new routes for the 2026 summer season, expanding its global network with additional connections across Europe, Asia and North America.
The UK hub said the new services reflect strong airline confidence and rising demand, following a record 84.5 million passengers in 2025 and its busiest February on record.
New routes and airline additions
Among the launches:
Rome – double daily with ITA Airways
Seattle – daily with Alaska Airlines
St. Louis – four weekly with British Airways (UK’s only direct service)
Seville – daily with Vueling
Tivat – three weekly with British Airways
Guernsey – daily with British Airways
South Asia connectivity returns
Pakistan International Airlines resumes flights to Islamabad (3 weekly) after a six-year absence
New weekly service to Lahore
Strategic significance
The expansion:
Strengthens Heathrow’s position as a global hub for both passengers and cargo
Enhances connectivity to underserved or previously suspended markets
Adds unique routes, notably the only UK–St. Louis link
Heathrow said the additional services will support both leisure and business travel while improving export connectivity for UK industries.
Bottom line: Heathrow is leveraging strong post-pandemic demand to broaden its global reach, with a mix of new destinations, restored routes and unique long-haul links reinforcing its hub status.