American Airlines Launches Nonstop Service From RDU to Heathrow Airport

RDU Airport, NC – On Saturday, March 29, American Airlines will begin nonstop service between Raleigh-Durham International Airport and London Heathrow, the world’s busiest international airport. The move makes RDU one of American Airline’s seven gateway cities to Heathrow, which offers connections to cities throughout Europe and the Middle East.

The change is made possible by a new “open skies” agreement between the U.S. and Europe that lifts restrictions on transatlantic flights.

“There are just slightly more than a dozen cities in the United States that can claim nonstop service to London Heathrow,” said Jim Carter, American’s Vice President — Eastern Sales Division in a statement announcing the change. “It’s definitely a 'feather in the cap' of any airport to be able to say it is a gateway to London Heathrow. Heathrow is the preferred London airport, especially for business travelers going to London.”

The first flight between RDU and London Heathrow takes off Saturday at 6:25 p.m. Officials report that the inaugural flight is nearly 90 percent full. American Airlines will offer the daily nonstop service using its 245-seat Boeing 777.

The flight between RDU and London Gatwick has been popular with Triangle area travelers since its launch in May 1994. In 2001, American Airlines transitioned from the 165-seat Boeing 767 to the larger Boeing 777 to meet demand for the flight.

RDU and American Airlines will celebrate the inaugural flight on Saturday with a gate celebration.

American Airlines currently offers 19 daily nonstop flights from RDU to seven destinations. American Eagle offers 47 daily departures to 12 destinations.

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