CRAWLEY, England, November 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

British Airways is changing its Mauritius timetable to give customers an extra day in the sun this winter.

Flights back from the Indian Ocean isle will take off 12 hours later than at present, creating more time for relaxation before travellers have to get their flights to London.

The better timing coincides with the route being switched from Heathrow to Gatwick, further strengthening the airline's premium leisure programme at the airport. British Airways has recently opened the new state-of-the-art terminal extension at Gatwick, which will be home to all British Airways flights at Gatwick. It is designed to give customers more control of their journey, as well as providing an innovative travelling experience using the most advanced technology and a new approach to customer service.

The new British Airways terminal extension allows passengers to do more for themselves, from checking-in and choosing seats to printing their own bag tags.

Silla Maizey, director of Gatwick, said: "We have a strong premium leisure strategy for Gatwick - we want it to be a hub for great high-end holiday destinations. Moving the Mauritius flight here helps us to strengthen this position as it will now sit alongside destinations such as the Maldives and the Caribbean.

"We've listened to feedback from our customers about the timings of the flights to Mauritius so it's great we've been able to design the new schedule around their needs. This new timing has an evening departure from Mauritius and an early morning arrival into Gatwick, giving back customers a full day at their destination when they would otherwise have been flying."

British Airways offer a wide range of hotels in Mauritius including great value all-inclusive resorts, such as the 3-star Emeraude Beach Hotel on the east coast of the island. This small hotel enjoys a friendly atmosphere and takes its influences from traditional Mauritian lifestyle.

There are also a whole host of four and five star hotels including Le Touessrok, ideal for those looking for spa hotels in Mauritius. Le Touessrok is a stunning, luxurious resort extending across a collection of offshore islands. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, this hotel is perfect for relaxing with the nine-room Givenchy Spa offering an array of exotic treatments. Alternatively, the 5-star Long Beach is great for those looking for a more active holiday with three swimming pools and three flood-lit tennis courts on offer to guests.

For a romantic holiday in Mauritius then, the One and Only Le Saint Geran is ideal. The stunning resort is set in 60 acres of tropical gardens on the Belle Mare peninsula, fringed by a mile of white sand beaches and is akin to the atmosphere of an exclusive private club. The Oberoi Mauritius offers couples impeccable service, sensational food and added touches such as iPod music docks in guest rooms.

About British Airways:

British Airways offers a wide range of holiday experiences around the world to complement its flight network, with city breaks, beach holidays (including holidays in Spain and Maldives holidays), hotels from value two star hotels through to luxury five star resorts, Avis car hire and as well as a wide range of experiences in-resort from city tours through to transfers. Customers can save time and money with ba.com when booking ATOL protected holiday packages utilising flight+hotel or flight+car (ATOL number is 5985). Passengers are offered added peace of mind to their holiday plans and the security of travelling with British Airways. British Airways plc constantly seeks to exceed customers' expectations, both in terms of the value for money and quality of the service provided.

For further British Airways / British Airways Holidays Ltd media information please contact:
Claire Ioannou
Astral Towers
Betts Way
London Road
Crawley
RH10 9XA
+44(0)1293-722513
http://www.ba.com

SOURCE British Airways