British Airways to launch third daily London-Delhi flight in 2026, boosting U.K.-India trade amid PM Starmer’s visit
By British Airways
Copyright thehindu
British Airways announced a third daily flight between London Heathrow and Delhi from next year as it flew into the national capital 130 top U.K. CEOs and senior government Ministers on its chartered flight as part of a trade mission accompanying U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer here on a two-day visit.
The airline said it will explore “further growth opportunities” in India as trade between the two countries expands. Currently, British Airways operates 56 weekly flights connecting London with five key Indian cities: Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
The trade delegation in Mumbai follows the signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the U.K. and India in July.
“As our landmark trade deal paves the way for new opportunities for businesses, our national flag carrier will play a critical role in strengthening trade links with India, boosting U.K. growth and helping deliver on our Plan for Change,” U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a press statement issued by British Airways.
“We will develop our own network alongside increased economic activity so the FTA for our business is very good news,” Sean Doyle, Chairman and Chief Executive of British Airways, said, adding that the airline offers the largest network of any European carrier into the North Atlantic and helps connect India to the U.S. and beyond.
Apart from Air India’s 49 weekly flights to London Heathrow and additional flights from London Gatwick and Birmingham, IndiGo also began services to the U.K. in July with three weekly flights to Manchester from Mumbai. The airline will also operate flights to Manchester from New Delhi, likely starting November 15, according to industry sources. IndiGo has announced daily flights to London Heathrow from Mumbai from October 26.
The expansion of flight networks between India and the U.K. is expected to generate over £50 million in annual exports, £25 million in tourism income, and 450 new jobs, while boosting productivity and research collaboration, according to a U.K. government press release.