British Airways is adding an extra day in the sun in Mauritius

British Airways is changing its Mauritius timetable to give customers an extra day in the sun.

From November 1, flights back from the Indian Ocean isle will take off 12 hours later than at present, creating more time for relaxation before the journey home.

The better timing coincides with the route being switched from Heathrow to Gatwick, further strengthening the airline's premium leisure programme at the airport.

Currently, flights to Mauritius leave London at 4:25pm, arriving in the destination at 07:25am the following day. Flights from Mauritius to London depart at 8.55am and arrive at 5.15pm. The changes will create evening departures for both the outbound and inbound flights to allow customers to maximise their time on holiday. Once the route moves to Gatwick, the flight will operate three times a week: departing Gatwick on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and departing Mauritius on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Flights to Mauritius (BA2063) will depart Gatwick at 8.30pm local time, arriving 12.25pm local time in Mauritius. Flights from Mauritius (BA2062) will depart Mauritius at 9.05pm arriving 5.20am the following day at Gatwick.

Silla Maizey, director of Gatwick, said: "We have a strong premium leisure strategy for Gatwick – we want it to be a hub for great high-end holiday destinations. Moving the Mauritius flight here helps us to strengthen this position as it will now sit alongside destinations such as the Maldives and the Caribbean.

"We've listened to feedback from our customers about the timings on the Mauritius flight so it's great we've been able to design the new schedule around their needs. This new timing has an evening departure from Mauritius and an early morning arrival into Gatwick, giving back customers a full day at their destination when they would otherwise have been flying.

"Gatwick's owners, GIP, are ploughing significant investment into the airport so customers can expect a new level of service there soon. The future for British Airways customers using Gatwick is very bright."

The route will be served by a Boeing 777 aircraft with 275 seats on board.

British Airways offer holidays in Mauritius to suit families looking for a break in the sun to couples seeking to get away from it all on luxury holidays. Some of the hotels in Mauritius on offer feature comfort and design whereas others specialize in full-service spas. Customers on a budget can choose to stay at the value for money two-star Coin de Mire. The family friendly four-star Preskil Beach Resort offers classical Creole architecture nestled in peaceful gardens. Tropical luxury taken to a higher level can be enjoyed at the five-star Prestige Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita which provides a secluded, beautiful sanctuary for the discerning traveller.

Other changes at Gatwick from October 30, in comparison to Winter 2010, will include flights to Cancun increasing to three a week from two and Tampa increasing from five to six flights a week.

About British Airways:
British Airways offers a wide range of holiday experiences around the world to complement its flight network – with city breaks, beach holidays, hotels from value two star hotels through to luxury five star resorts, Avis car hire and as well as a wide range of experiences in-resort from city tours through to transfers. Customers can save time and money with ba.com when booking ATOL protected holiday packages utilising flight+hotel or flight+car (ATOL number is 5985). Passengers are offered added peace of mind to their holiday plans and the security of travelling with British Airways. British Airways plc constantly seeks to exceed customers' expectations, both in terms of the value for money and quality of the service provided.

For further British Airways / British Airways Holidays Ltd media information please contact:
Katja Cooper
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