Travellers dreaming of sun-soaked beaches, historic charm and easy access to the Costa Smeralda can rejoice, as British Airways is introducing a new direct flight to Olbia, Sardinia, just in time for summer.
Starting May 25, 2025, the airline will operate a weekly service between London City Airport and Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, offering British tourists a more convenient way to reach this idyllic Italian destination. While BA already flies to Olbia from Edinburgh and Heathrow, this new route offers shorter journey times and a central London departure point, making it particularly attractive for city-based travellers.
Olbia: Gateway to Sardinia’s Emerald Coast
Though Olbia is a modest industrial town, it serves as the primary gateway to Sardinia’s famed Costa Smeralda — a region celebrated for its luxury resorts, turquoise waters, and white sandy beaches.
According to travel platform Viator, Olbia features some of the island’s most beautiful coastlines, including Spiaggia Pittulongu, Punta della Saline, and Bados Beach.
The town’s Corso Umberto is perfect for strolling, with its boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, while Piazza Regina Margherita offers the ideal setting to enjoy an espresso and soak in the local atmosphere.
For history enthusiasts, Olbia’s Museo Archeologico showcases a wide array of ancient artifacts, and the Basilica of San Simplicio — a remarkably preserved 12th-century church — offers a glimpse into the island’s rich past.
Nearby Natural Wonders: Tavolara Island
A 20-minute drive from Olbia leads to Porto San Paolo, a departure point for ferries to Tavolara Island, a marine-protected nature reserve. The island draws hikers, snorkelers, and wildlife lovers, offering striking rock formations, secluded beaches, and a pristine environment for outdoor adventures.
Flight Times and Ticket Prices
- British Airways’ London City to Olbia flights take roughly 2 hours and 10 minutes, with round-trip fares starting at £258, depending on travel dates.
- Additional BA routes from Edinburgh and Heathrow are priced from £121 return and average around 2 hours and 30 minutes in duration.
- Other carriers, including easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, and TUI, also offer direct UK-Olbia flights. According to Skyscanner, journey times average 2 hours and 36 minutes, with last-minute fares sometimes available for as low as £37.
Expanded BA Schedule for 2025
The Olbia launch is part of British Airways’ broader 2025 expansion, which includes
- New flights to Rimini (Adriatic Coast) from London Heathrow
- Service to Salerno (Amalfi Coast) from London Gatwick
- Twice-daily flights to Tokyo
- A return to Tbilisi, Georgia, after a 12-year absence
- Resumed service to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the first time in five years
With these additions, British Airways continues to enhance its network across Europe and beyond, offering more options for UK travellers seeking summer escapes and cultural getaways.