British Airways - the UK’s flagship carrier which operates 21 weekly flights from the UAE to London Heathrow - is to launch new thrice-weekly direct services from Gatwick to both Male in the Maldives and Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt from October 25, 2009. This will be the first time British Airways has flown to the Maldives, but will be a return for the airline’s trademark flag in the Red Sea resort.

The routes will be operated by Boeing 777 aircraft with a three-class configuration: World Traveller, World Traveller Plus and Club World.

Paolo De Renzis, Area Commercial Manager Middle East, said: "We are committed to expanding our global network by introducing routes which offer customers increased options and convenience. The plan to launch these new services is consistent with our corporate strategy of servicing routes which are expected to yield high demand and research we have conducted indicates that the potential on these new routes is promising."

Richard Tams, British Airways’ head of UK & Ireland sales, echoed De Renzis’ sentiments: "These new routes will be great assets to the BA network and a real winner with customers. They are both perfect holiday destinations, known for their great beaches and fantastic diving. We’re particularly pleased to be serving a completely new destination, the Maldives and returning to Sharm El Sheikh. We expect both routes to perform well."

A wide range of good value hotels from independent properties to luxury five-star resorts in both the Maldives and Sharm el Sheikh will be available to book on ba.com giving further choice and flexibility to all holidaymakers.

Other changes to the network include the cessation of the London Gatwick to New York flight from October 25. British Airways operates up to ten daily flights to New York and will launch the first ever London City - New York service later this year.