I also have to wonder whether BA are also just thinking about the current geopolitical instability: while it’s still possible that the TLV route will experience disruptions, maybe it’s just easier and cheaper for them to use one of their many A320neo planes rather than to dedicate a precious 787/777 which would then need to be temporarily reallocated to another route if TLV were to be suspended or disrupted again.

Regarding the TP reduction from next year, maybe there’s a benefit in under-promising and over-delivering? If things settle down and the long haul aircraft return to the route, BA can surprise and delight people by reinstating the full 140 tier points.