British Airways launches three new Italian routes, bookable now for Avios

British Airways has announced three new summer routes to Italy for 2025.

Two routes are entirely new, whilst the third sees London City gain a service previously only available from Heathrow.

The new services mean that BA will now serve 19 destinations in Italy, more than any other European country.

British Airways to Rimini

Flights to Rimini, image below, will begin on 15th May 2025 and operate until 27th September.

Services will operate three times per week (Monday, Thursday, Saturday) from Heathrow.

According to BA:

Rimini is an old city full of charm. Those in search of beach holidays can enjoy more than 15km of beach along the seafront, while night owls can soak up the city’s vibrant nightlife. Travellers intrigued by Italy’s ancient history can visit a range of landmarks, such as the Arch of Augustus which was built around 27 BC, and the Tiberius Bridge which dates back to the first century AD. 

Rimini is also a great base from which to explore nearby San Marino, a small, landlocked republic situated on the slopes of Mount Titano. With mountainous scenery and a historic city centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its visitors enjoy a unique blend of nature and culture. 

British Airways to Salerno

Flight to Salerno in the Campania Region will launch on 22nd May 2025. Services will end on 25th October.

Flights will depart from Gatwick and depart three times per week on Monday, Thursday and Saturday. 

Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport opened to commercial flights in July 2024 and offers an alternative to Naples for anyone looking to reach the Amalfi Coast.  

According to BA:

Those looking to explore the wider Amalfi Coast are drawn in by its dramatic coastline, lush scenery and the charm of its towns, such as Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, which overlook the glistening Mediterranean Sea. 

Salerno itself features ocean views, lively piazzas, delicious local cuisine, and historical attractions, making it a popular destination for travellers seeking a blend of beach, foodie and cultural activities in a mild Mediterranean climate.

British Airways to Olbia

Olbia has been served from London Heathrow for many years, but BA is now adding flights from London City.

Flights will launch on 25th May, initially on Sundays only, with an additional Wednesday flight launching on 16th July. Services will operate until 28th September.

Flights to Cagliari in Sardinia will continue to operate from London Gatwick.

According to BA:

Olbia, located on the northeastern coast of Sardinia, is known for its historical significance, as well as its idyllic beaches and crystal-clear waters. The city is also recognised for its vibrant local markets, such as the Mercato di San Benedetto, where visitors can immerse themselves in the flavours of Sardinian cuisine through fresh produce, seafood, and traditional specialties. 

The airport is a short drive from some of Sardinia’s most famous coastlines, including Costa Smeralda which attracts those in search of fine sand beaches and turquoise waters as well as luxury hotels and resorts. 

All flights are bookable now for cash or Avios. Avios availability should be good given that the flights were only loaded yesterday. (EDIT: comments below suggest BA is having some issues with Avios seat loading.)

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How to earn Avios from UK credit cards (April 2025)

As a reminder, there are various ways of earning Avios points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses!

In February 2022, Barclaycard launched two exciting new Barclaycard Avios Mastercard cards with a bonus of up to 25,000 Avios. You can apply here.

You qualify for the bonus on these cards even if you have a British Airways American Express card:

There are two official British Airways American Express cards with attractive sign-up bonuses:

You can also get generous sign-up bonuses by applying for American Express cards which earn Membership Rewards points. These points convert at 1:1 into Avios.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

Run your own business?

We recommend Capital on Tap for limited companies. You earn 1 Avios per £1 which is impressive for a Visa card, and the standard card is FREE. Capital on Tap cards also have no FX fees.

There is also a British Airways American Express card for small businesses:

There are also generous bonuses on the two American Express Business cards, with the points converting at 1:1 into Avios. These cards are open to sole traders as well as limited companies.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which earn Avios. This includes both personal and small business cards.