British Airways is launching its thrice-weekly direct non-stop services from Gatwick to Sharm El Sheikh from October 26, 2009.

This signifies a return for the airline’s colours to this popular Red Sea resort, with the new direct non-stop London Gatwick flights to Sharm El Sheikh departing on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

As well as the new flights to Sharm El Sheikh, British Airways will also be adding The Maldives to its already extensive network. Richard Tams, British Airways’ head of UK & Ireland sales, said: “These new routes will be great assets to the BA network and a real winner with customers. They are both perfect holiday destinations, known for their great beaches and fantastic diving. We’re particularly pleased to be serving a completely new destination, the Maldives, and returning to Sharm El Sheikh. We expect both routes to perform well.”

Holidays in Sharm El Sheikh have proved popular with tourist for years due to their promise of sun-filled days on the beach and spotting turtles on the coral reefs, as well as offering the ability to explore the desert by camel and spend the nights feasting on traditional Bedouin food and stargazing.

British Airways have a number of superb Sharm El Sheikh hotels - all with easy access to beautiful beaches. The range of hotels in Sharm El Sheikh includes something for everyone ranging from 3 to 5*. Romantics can pamper themselves at the 4*+ Grand Rotana ideally located on the shores of Sharks Bay. The 4* all inclusive Hilton Sharks Bay Resort offers fun for the whole family, or for pure relaxation and a round of golf there is the 5* Maritim Jolie Ville Golf and Resort.

All of the new Sharm El Sheikh flights will be operated by Boeing 777 aircraft with a three-class configuration: World Traveller, World Traveller Plus and Club World.