British Airways Launches Avios-Only Flights to Cape Town for the Festive Winter Period

British Airways has today announced that Cape Town will become their latest long-haul Avios-Only flight destination.  Over 500 Avios-Only seats will be available on the route, with the flight departing on December 20, 2025, and returning January 2, 2026.

British Airways Boeing 777-300ER

On Thursday (July 31, 2025), British Airways announced that for the upcoming festive winter season, Cape Town will become the latest Avios-Only long-haul destination.  Members of The British Airways Club can now spend their Avios on flights to Cape Town with fares from as little as 70,000 Avios and £150.  The carrier is making over 500 Avios-Only seats available for flight BA43 departing London Heathrow on December 20, 2025, and flight BA42 departing Cape Town for London on January 2, 2026.  The flights will be operated with a Boeing 777.

In Thursday’s announcement, British Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, Colm Lacy, said,

“We’re delighted to announce Cape Town as our latest Avios-Only flight destination, in South Africa’s peak travel season.  Members will have the opportunity to book seats across all four cabins over the popular festive period offering more value and choice than ever.” 

Also commenting on the latest Avios-Only offer, IAG Loyalty’s Chief Commercial Officer, Rob McDonald, added,

“We know how popular Avios-Only flights are with customers and we’re incredibly excited to work with British Airways to offer the next long-haul Avios-Only flight to Cape Town, operating over the peak Christmas period.  This will allow customers to take full advantage of the value Avios unlocks on an incredibly popular route.” 

Since launching Avios-Only flights in 2023, the airline has offered Members of The British Airways Club 34 flights to 15 destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, North America, and the Caribbean.  The Avios-Only flight to Cape Town marks the release of British Airways’ 7,500th Avios-Only seat.  Most recently, Avios-Only flights to Málaga and Marrakech were offered during the October half-term and were especially popular with families.  Since Avios-Only seats are sold as normal Reward Seats, British Airways American Express Credit Cardmembers will also have the option to use their Companion Vouchers.

British Airways’ Reward Seats can be purchased using Avios at static rates.  The carrier guarantees a minimum of 12 and 14 Reward Seats on standard short and long-haul flights respectively, whereas Avios-Only flights mean that every seat is available to purchase using Avios.  Members booking the Avios-Only flight can do so in any cabin as they normally would on the airline’s website.

Source: British Airways