Sean Doyle, the CEO of British Airways, has stated that the carrier is to make significant efforts over the coming months to develop its already existing strong ties with India. The airline aims to do this, according to Doyle, by increasing the frequency of services between the UK and India, as well as boosting premium first-class services on its flagship London to Mumbai route.
The move comes as the carrier faces increasing competition between the two countries, with Air India increasing flights with its brand-new Airbus A350 fleet, plus IndiGo, India’s largest carrier, announcing new direct services to London to start later in 2025.
As part of the expansion plans, the airline will be increasing the overall capacity of services between the UK and India, as well as improving long-haul services overall to cater to the rising demand on routes between the two countries. The moves are in line with the airline’s commitment to boosting connectivity and solidifying its position as a major player in the international air travel industry.
According to Doyle, India has become BA’s largest market outside the United States. The airline currently operates 56 weekly flights from London-Heathrow Airport (LHR) to five major Indian cities and is looking to expand both frequency and routes, in tandem with increasing cargo movement under the proposed India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Services include three weekly services to Mumbai and double daily flights from Delhi. The airline also operates daily flights to Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, connecting these key Indian cities to BA’s global network.
With its 56 weekly flights, the carrier now operates ten more flights per week between the UK and India than before the pandemic, reflecting a 25% capacity increase. From October 27, the London to Mumbai route will see the return of a first class service offering on the carrier’s Boeing 787-9 fleet, which will feature BA’s full four cabin offering – first class, business class, premium economy, and economy class.
The move will signify the return of a first-class service on the London to Mumbai route, ending a nearly five-year hiatus. The move is part of the airline’s broader strategy to enhance the luxury experience for its high-end customers and to reinforce its competitive edge in the premium travel market. According to Doyle, while cities like Delhi and Mumbai see more origin and destination traffic, routes like Bengaluru and Hyderabad are still driven by connecting passengers, primarily to the United States.
India is becoming “increasingly significant”
British Airways says it views India as an increasingly significant market for its operations, and the airline has expressed strong intentions to expand both its routes and flight frequencies to the region. In a recent interview, a senior executive from British Airways emphasized the importance of India, calling it a “very, very important” market and highlighting the airline’s commitment to growing its presence in the region.
Meanwhile, Doyle described the airline’s potential in India as “once in a generation growth opportunity” and noted India’s role in British Airways’ global operations, employing over 2,500 staff in the country.
The airline’s plans for future growth in India are not limited to expanding its flight offerings. British Airways also aims to increase its overall service capacity and introduce more flexible travel options for customers. By offering enhanced connectivity and convenience, the airline seeks to attract both leisure and business travelers, particularly those traveling between India and the UK, as well as beyond at both ends of each route.
The airline’s approach to the Indian market is also said to underscore its commitment to maintaining a strong presence in Asia, a region that has become increasingly important for British Airways, amid a raft of new routes to other cities in the region. The Indian market, with its growing middle class and rising demand for international travel, presents significant opportunities for growth. British Airways plans to leverage the growing demand in India by expanding its presence, boosting service frequency, and enhancing the overall passenger experience.
Cargo to get a boost
Meanwhile, while India/UK FTA negotiations make progress, British Airways is aligning its strategy to benefit from enhanced cargo flows between the two countries. Doyle expressed his confidence that the agreement will open new lanes for outbound Indian cargo and niche imports into India from the UK and surrounding regions served by BA.
As reported by The Business Line, the airline anticipates significant growth in freight volumes once the FTA is operational, especially in pharmaceuticals, perishables, and high-value manufacturing goods.
British Airways’ renewed commitment to the Indian market reflects a broader vision of capturing long-term aviation growth in South Asia. The airline is due to commence a third daily service from London to Delhi for the winter of 2025/26, winter, which it hopes will strengthen its position in the face of the increasing competition from India’s homegrown carriers.
