British Airways customers choose Dubai for festive season

"Our customers' favourite longhaul destinations from London this festive season are New York, Miami, Cape Town, Hong Kong and Dubai, which shows that, with the exception of New York, people are looking for a warmer way to spend Christmas and New Year. Our flights connect through London Heathrow's Terminal 5, offering convenient times and an easier way to travel during this busy period," Paolo De Renzis, Area Commercial Manager Middle East and Central Asia, said.

A firm favourite among travellers, Dubai makes a regular appearance in British Airways' top destinations lists. In a recent poll on BA's Facebook page, more than 2,660 users nominated the overseas destinations they most want to visit in 2013 and Dubai was named in the top five. Featured alongside Dubai were New York, Australia, Hong Kong and Rio de Janeiro.

"British Airways has been flying to Dubai for 75 years and to the Middle East for 80 years," De Renzis said. "We have a long association with this region and our competitive prices, quality service and great connections to Europe and North America are among the reasons people choose to fly here with British Airways."

More than 1.9 million people are booked to fly with British Airways this festive season, including almost 30,000 on Christmas Day. For those who have left their shopping until the last minute, British Airways has stocked up on gifts for its busiest shopping month.

Research shows that nearly a third (32%) of people would consider buying their Christmas presents on board flights, while a further 17% of those travelling will forget to pack a present, usually for a brother-in-law.