British Airways is changing European flight meals: What's off the menu?

January 2, 2026 at 01:51 PM•3 min read

British Airways is removing hot breakfasts from Club Europe on eight European and domestic short-haul flights starting January 7, 2026, citing limited time for better service delivery.

Key Points

1British Airways will eliminate hot breakfast service for Club Europe passengers on eight short-haul routes from January 7, 2026.
2The change affects flights under one hour, including major routes from London Heathrow to Amsterdam, Brussels, and Dublin.
3The airline will replace the hot meal with a continental breakfast, citing operational efficiency and limited time for service delivery.
4A new Ploughman’s Afternoon Tea service will be introduced on longer short-haul flights as a service enhancement.

British Airways (BA) has announced a significant update to its in-flight catering. The change affects its premium Club Europe business class product. Specifically, the airline will remove the hot breakfast option on select short-haul routes. This new policy takes effect from January 7, 2026.

The New Service Model

The hot breakfast will be discontinued on eight of BA’s shortest and busiest routes. These flights typically have a block time under 60 minutes. The impacted routes include international destinations like Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). Domestic UK routes such as Belfast City, Jersey, Manchester, and Newcastle are also affected.

Passengers on these British Airways European flights will now receive a continental breakfast. This lighter meal includes a fresh fruit plate, yogurt, and a heated pastry. The goal is to simplify the BA short-haul service and improve overall efficiency.

Operational Efficiency and Passenger Impact

A British Airways spokesperson stated the move is due to limited time on these journeys. Serving and enjoying a full hot breakfast has become challenging for customers. The airline maintains this is not a cost-cutting measure. Instead, the change is designed to enhance operational efficiency. It also gives cabin crew more time for customer interaction. The crew has only about 35 minutes for service on an hour-long flight.

Hot breakfast will remain on the vast majority of other short-haul flights. Passengers flying from London Heathrow (LHR) can still enjoy a hot meal in the British Airways Lounge before departure. Alternatively, they can book a longer flight where the full service continues.

Broader Catering Strategy

This adjustment aligns with broader industry trends. Many airlines are streamlining short-haul catering to manage costs and time. The global inflight catering market is growing, with a focus on quick, ready-to-eat meals. This shift helps airlines improve turnaround times and reduce food waste.

In a positive counterpoint, British Airways is enhancing its afternoon service. The airline is introducing a new Ploughman’s Afternoon Tea service. This will be offered on longer short-haul routes. It features a more substantial selection of deli-style savory items. This includes cured meats, cheeses, and a scone with clotted cream and jam. This service maintains a premium airline passenger experience for mid-day flights.

For more updates on commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights. The decision by British Airways reflects the ongoing challenge of providing premium service within the tight constraints of short-haul flight logistics. This is a key consideration for all carriers, including major Airbus and Boeing operators, as confirmed by industry bodies like IATA.