British Airways is marking the launch of flights to Sri Lanka with a limited-time collaboration with Hoppers, the pioneering London-based Sri Lankan and South Indian restaurants.
From 23 October, customers in Club World travelling on board British Airways’ new route to Colombo, will be able to enjoy a special menu created in partnership with Hoppers, to bring the bold flavours, rich spices and famous food culture of the island to the skies.
The menu features dishes inspired by Hoppers’ best loved classics including a starter of yoghurt vadai, a soaked lentil fritter served with yoghurt, tamarind and coriander chutney and crisps – a Hoppers’ rendition of the popular snacks sold by street hawkers on Galle Face Green. For main course, customers can enjoy a choice of Hoppers’ signature Kalupol-spiced chicken, served with tangy lemon rice and beetroot curry, or Pollichathu Cod, marinated in a tomato chilli paste, cooked wrapped in banana leaf and served with coconut rice and spicy pineapple curry. Watalappam bread pudding is the comforting end to the meal, served with spiced crumble and malt cream – the Sri Lankan spin on the classic British dessert.
A specially curated Hoppers cocktail will also be available in the British Airways Club Lounge at London Gatwick for customers to enjoy before departure. The ‘Ceylon Pearl’ is the perfect pre-flight aperitif, featuring Tanqueray Rangpur gin, lychee and pink citrus tonic.
Mark Brega, British Airways’ Executive Chef said: “It was a pleasure to work with the talented team at Hoppers to bring the vibrant flavours of Sri Lanka to our customers at 35,000 feet. Food is such an important part of experiencing a destination, and Sri Lanka has a rich culinary heritage that we wanted to celebrate. Working together, we set out to create dishes that capture the spirit of Sri Lankan hospitality to transport customers to the streets and shores of the island, before they even touchdown.”
Hoppers opened in Soho in 2015, helping introduce a new generation of London diners to the food and flavours of Sri Lanka, and was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand within its first year. Inspired by the home cooking, roadside stalls and toddy shops of Sri Lanka and South India, Hoppers now has restaurants in Marylebone, King’s Cross and Shoreditch.
Karan Gokani, founder of Hoppers said: “It’s long been a dream to serve Hoppers food in the skies, so we were thrilled when British Airways approached us about this partnership. For the past decade, we’ve brought some of our favourite memories and flavours of Sri Lanka to our restaurants in London, and taking them back to Colombo feels like a wonderful full-circle moment. Working with Mark and the team, we’ve created a menu that celebrates the flavours of Sri Lanka through a uniquely British lens, all with the unmistakable Hoppers touch.”
Launching on 23 October 2026, British Airways will fly three times per week from London Gatwick to Colombo, the vibrant gateway to Sri Lanka. The route will operate for the winter season only, taking customers directly to the Indian Ocean island and home to picturesque beaches, scenic wildlife, vibrant culture and rich cuisine. Customers have a choice of three cabins – World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and Club World (business class). Return fares start from £524 (including taxes and carrier fees).
