British Airways Expands Service from London Heathrow

Maryland is stepping confidently onto the international stage this winter as British Airways strengthens its commitment to the state by introducing a daily London Heathrow to Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) service from October 2026. 

Complementing the airline’s existing daily summer schedule, the enhanced service provides year-round daily connectivity between the UK and Maryland for the first time, making it easier than ever for British travellers to discover the state’s rich history, vibrant cities and Chesapeake Bay coastline.

This boost in transatlantic connectivity arrives at the perfect time, as Maryland’s tourism partners have united in a new statewide collaboration between Maryland Office of Tourism, Visit Baltimore, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County and Visit Frederick. Together, they are launching a coordinated destination‑marketing effort to ensure Maryland is offered the visibility and voice the destination deserves.

The increase in British Airways service means easier access for UK travellers, more flexibility for media and FAM trips, and a seamless route into one of America’s most diverse and culturally rich states. For British visitors seeking a winter escape that blends coastal beauty, historic charm, and new cultural experiences, Maryland is ready. 

Winter is peak oyster season, making the Maryland Crab and Oyster Trail one of the state’s most delicious cold‑weather experiences. Visitors can follow a curated route of raw bars, oyster farms, waterfront restaurants, and heritage stops across the Chesapeake, a perfect anchor for a multi‑city itinerary supported by the new tourism partnership.

Cassandra Vanhooser, Managing Director for the Maryland Office of Tourism said: “Gone are the days when travellers treated Maryland as a secondary stop. Well‑priced fares, increased frequency, and a growing list of compelling reasons to visit mean consumers are now choosing BWI as their primary arrival point, with nearby cities such as Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and New York becoming easy day trips by train. Maryland’s landscapes, communities, and character now lead the experience with the outstanding tourism product and increased flight capacity.” 

The expanded British Airways service arrives as Maryland’s tourism leaders launch a landmark partnership between:

• Maryland Office of Tourism

• Visit Baltimore

• Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County

• Visit Frederick

This collaboration aims to amplify Maryland’s profile in key international markets, including the UK, by pooling resources, storytelling, and signature experiences across the state. With daily BA flights, Maryland is poised to welcome more British travellers than ever.

Direct British Airways flights from London Heathrow to Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) start from £524 return, including taxes, fees and carrier charges. The non-stop flight takes approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes.

Winter travellers will find a fresh lineup of exhibits, anniversaries, and experiences across the state, perfect for a multi‑city itinerary supported by the new regional partnership.

Baltimore City: Culture in Overdrive

American Visionary Art Museum – 30th Anniversary Mega‑Exhibition  

• Fantastic Realities: Truth Stranger Than Fiction runs through September 2026, offering surreal, colourful, and deeply imaginative works, ideal for winter city breaks.

Maryland Science Center – 50th Anniversary Celebrations  

• Winter visitors can explore the new Space exhibit and enjoy special events like Music Under the Dome: Rolling Stones.

Annapolis: New Exhibits & Historic Charm

Old Treasury Building – Newly Reopened  

• Maryland’s oldest public building reopened in February 2026 with new exhibits on colonial history, a cosy winter cultural stop steps from the State House.

Banneker‑Douglass‑Tubman Museum – She Speaks Exhibition  

• Running through January 2027, this powerful exhibition spotlights Black women artists and 250 years of American history.

Frederick: Historic Stays & New Experiences

Visitation Hotel  

• A beautifully restored 1824 landmark turned luxury boutique hotel, perfect for winter weekends with its intimate rooms and Voltaggio‑designed tavern.

Maryland Double Deckers  

• Hop‑on tours aboard a vintage London Routemaster bus, including festive winter themes like holiday lights and historic storytelling.

Chesapeake Bay & Eastern Shore: Winter Waterfront Magic

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum – New Exhibits for 2026  

• Bear Me Into Freedom opens 27 February  2026, featuring Frederick Douglass storytelling, photography, and even an interactive hologram.

Stories of the Shoreline  

• A long‑term exhibition celebrating Chesapeake life, from waterfowling to plein‑air painting, ideal for off‑season travellers seeking authenticity.

For further information on Maryland International Marketing Partnership, visit Maryland Office of Tourism, Visit Baltimore, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, and Visit Frederick .