British Airways is scrapping hot breakfasts for Club Europe passengers on eight of its shortest short-haul routes, replacing the full English with a continental option of fruit, yoghurt and a pastry. The change, effective this week, follows a trial last autumn and applies to flights of about an hour from London. BA says the move improves service on tight schedules, not cuts costs. (Image: BA)
British Airways (IAG)09 January 2026
From this week, some of British Airways’ best-paying short-haul customers will wake up to a slimmer start to the day, with breakfast pared back to fruit, yoghurt and a pastry. The change marks the latest adjustment to the airline’s on-board service as it continues to rethink what can realistically be delivered on very short flights.
Food at altitude has long been a point of contention. Some passengers look forward to a meal in the sky, while others dread the sight — and smell — of reheated dishes. For travellers in premium cabins, however, catering often feels like part of the value proposition, particularly on early-morning departures when there’s little time to eat before boarding.
That is why BA’s decision to withdraw hot breakfasts on eight of its shortest European routes is likely to disappoint some business-class flyers. From Wednesday, passengers in Club Europe on these flights will no longer be served the traditional full English, but a continental option instead.
Under the revised service, the familiar cooked plate of eggs, bacon and sausage disappears, replaced by a lighter combination of fruit, yoghurt and a pastry. Economy passengers will still receive complimentary water and a small snack, while those wanting something more substantial can pre-order hot items through BA’s buy-on-board menu, which has been in place on short-haul routes for several years.
The routes affected — Amsterdam, Belfast, Brussels, Paris, Dublin, Jersey, Manchester and Newcastle — all have flight times of around an hour from London. Scottish destinations such as Glasgow and Edinburgh, despite similar journey lengths, are not included in the change, a distinction that has raised eyebrows among frequent flyers.
British Airways trialled the continental breakfast on select short-haul services in autumn last year and says passenger feedback was broadly positive. The airline maintains that the move is driven by practicality rather than cost-cutting, arguing that shorter sectors leave limited time for crew to heat, serve and clear a full cooked meal. By simplifying the service, BA says, cabin staff can spend more time interacting with customers.
The update comes against a backdrop of wider pressures facing airlines, including rising food costs, tighter turnaround times at busy airports and growing scrutiny of waste and sustainability. Hot meals generate more catering waste and require additional equipment and power, something carriers across Europe have been quietly trying to reduce.
BA’s remaining European short-haul routes will continue to offer hot breakfasts, and the airline stresses that the vast majority of its morning services are unaffected. The new policy comes into force on Wednesday, January 7.
This is not the first time BA has faced criticism over changes to its catering. In 2024 it introduced a “Great British Brunch” on certain long-haul flights departing mid-morning, replacing the usual lunch service. After strong pushback from frequent travellers, the airline largely reversed the decision, restoring the option to choose between breakfast and lunch.
Rob Burgess, editor of frequent-flyer website Head for Points, notes that BA once provided cooked breakfasts even on very short domestic routes. He argues that the issue is less about time and more about shifting expectations. While BA still compares favourably with some European competitors — where business-class breakfast may amount to little more than cold meats and cheese — he suggests attitudes to what constitutes a “proper” breakfast vary widely by market.
A British Airways spokesperson said that on very short journeys, both serving and enjoying a hot meal has become increasingly challenging. Offering a continental breakfast instead, they said, should create a calmer and more comfortable experience, while hot breakfast options will remain available on most short-haul flights.
Source: GLO / BA
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