BA Cityflyer Suspends Hot Meals on Key UK Routes After Catering Switch
British Airways Cityflyer, the regional arm of the UK’s flag carrier, has been forced to suspend hot meal service on eight short-haul routes from London after a catering switch went awry. The disruption began in early July when the airline replaced its long-time caterer, Dubai-based Dnata, with Gate Gourmet, a subsidiary of Swiss group gategroup. This change, which executives had touted as one of their most important decisions of the year, has led to significant operational challenges, leaving passengers on affected flights without the option of a hot meal.
The suspension impacts flights from London to key business and leisure destinations, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast, and Dublin. Notably, the flight times to these cities are similar, making the inconsistency in service particularly frustrating for frequent flyers. While dry catering—such as crisps, snacks, and drinks—remains available, economy passengers, who typically receive a complimentary drink and snack on Cityflyer services, are unaffected. However, those in business class or seeking upgraded meal options will find their choices limited. This is a significant blow for BA Cityflyer, which is a short-haul mainstay for corporate travelers who often rely on the convenience and quality of in-flight dining.
A British Airways spokesperson emphasized the airline’s commitment to high-quality catering, stating: “Providing our customers with the high-quality catering they both deserve and expect is extremely important to us.” The airline is working to resolve the issue promptly, but no timeline has been given for the full restoration of hot meal service. This incident follows a series of catering-related controversies for British Airways, including last October’s unpopular changes to business and first-class menus, which sparked such outrage that the airline had to instruct flight attendants to stop apologizing for the cuts.
For now, passengers on the affected routes should prepare for a reduced dining experience. The situation underscores the fragility of airline catering operations and the importance of seamless supplier transitions. As BA works to rectify the problem, travelers are advised to check the latest updates before their flights. The airline’s reputation for premium service is on the line, and how it handles this disruption will be closely watched by both customers and industry observers.
Shimanta Das 
