The traditional January airfare sales have started in earnest. British Airways is running a sale on economy fares until 27 January. Return fares from Heathrow to New York start from £259, to Hong Kong from £429 and to Sydney from £699 including taxes and charges.

Within the UK and Europe, the airline is offering one-way flights from Gatwick to Rome from £45 and from Heathrow to Geneva and Zurich from £55. One–way upgrades to business class on European flights start from £59. For information, visit http://www.britishairways.com/travel/january-sale/public/en_gb.

Virgin Atlantic is also running a sale until the same date. It is offering economy returns to New York from £258, Dubai from £298, Mumbai from £329, Los Angeles from £338, Nairobi from £410 and Tokyo from £519. Upper Class fares to Mumbai start from £1,554 and to Dubai from £1,677.

Meanwhile, Bmi has launched its 'better for business' sale with no blackout periods or minimum stay requirements. Fares from Heathrow to Moscow start from £185 return, to Riyadh from £368 return and to Brussels from £68 return. Bookings can be made at www.flybmi.com or by calling 0870 60 70 555. The sale runs until 31 January and is valid for travel until 31 October 2009.