Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai Set to Witness Major Boost in British Airways Flight Services as Airline Targets Expansion to Meet Surging Demand

Published on December 1, 2025

British Airways is set to enhance its presence in the UK-India travel market with an ambitious expansion aimed at strengthening its connections to key Indian cities including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. This move comes in response to the soaring demand for direct flights driven by factors such as the growing Indian diaspora in the UK, increased tourism, and strengthened economic and educational ties between the two nations. With the airline’s longstanding history in India and a commitment to providing seamless travel options, this expansion will not only bolster British Airways’ position as a leading carrier between the UK and India but also offer passengers more convenience and flexibility on their journeys.

British Airways Eyes Expansion of Flight Services Between London and India

British Airways, the UK’s flag carrier, could be looking to expand its flight services between London and India. A senior executive from the airline recently emphasized the “incredible potential” of the Indian market, sparking discussions about increasing the frequency of direct flights on this key route.

At present, British Airways operates 56 weekly flights between London and five major Indian cities: Bengaluru (Bangalore), Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. The airline runs three daily flights to Mumbai and offers daily services to Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. The London-Delhi route is serviced twice daily, and there are rumors of a third daily flight, pending regulatory approval. The move to expand the network further aligns with the growing demand for non-stop travel between the UK and India.

India remains one of the most important international markets for British Airways, ranking second only to the United States. To support its extensive operations, the airline maintains dedicated crew bases at all five Indian gateways. British Airways also has a customer support center in India, employing a workforce of 2,000 staff members to cater to its increasing passenger demand.

The rise in demand for non-stop flights between the UK and India can be attributed to a variety of factors. These include visiting friends and relatives (VFR), tourism, education, and economic connections. Around half a million Indians travel to the UK each year, further boosting demand for direct flights. The strengthening UK-India free trade agreement and the large Indian diaspora in the UK are additional contributors to the surging demand for air connectivity between the two countries.

Despite British Airways’ dominant presence in the UK-India sector, the airline faces stiff competition from other carriers such as Virgin Atlantic, Air India, and IndiGo, all of which operate non-stop flights between India and the UK. Air India additionally offers services to London Gatwick and Birmingham, while IndiGo connects Delhi and Mumbai to Manchester. European and Middle Eastern airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Lufthansa also provide one-stop services, making the market highly competitive.

November 2025 marks the 101st anniversary of British Airways’ operations between the UK and India, marking a century of connectivity. The airline’s history with India dates back to 1924 when Imperial Airways, the precursor to British Airways, made its first flight from London to New Delhi. This early journey took a grueling 14 days, with multiple stops along the way. To commemorate its long-standing relationship with India, British Airways celebrated the centenary in 2024 with a special event at the British High Commissioner’s residence in New Delhi. The event showcased historical memorabilia and uniforms and treated passengers on select flights to special Indian menus and films as part of the anniversary celebrations.

Today, British Airways operates more non-stop flights to India than any other European airline, significantly reducing the journey time from the original 14 days to a mere nine hours on a direct flight. The airline uses a fleet of Airbus A350-1000, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787 Dreamliners for these routes, ensuring passengers enjoy a comfortable and modern flying experience. In addition to its direct flights, British Airways has a strategic partnership with IndiGo, India’s largest carrier, offering seamless one-stop connections to various destinations across India on a single ticket.

While British Airways holds a strong position in the UK-India market, it does not operate its own lounges in India. Instead, passengers have access to a range of local lounges. These include the Encalm Prive Lounge in Delhi, the Adani Lounge in Mumbai, the 080 BLR International Lounge in Bengaluru, the Travel Club Lounge in Chennai, and the Encalm Lounge in Hyderabad, offering a comfortable environment for travelers before departure.

With India continuing to be a significant focus, British Airways’ potential expansion into the Indian market could further cement its position as a leader in UK-India travel. The airline’s historical connection, strong operational presence, and ongoing efforts to meet the rising demand for air travel between the two countries underscore its commitment to providing convenient and efficient flight services for passengers.

British Airways is expanding its services to key Indian cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai to meet the rising demand driven by tourism, business, and the growing Indian diaspora in the UK. This strategic move strengthens the airline’s presence and enhances connectivity between the two nations.

In conclusion, British Airways is poised to continue capitalizing on the growth of the UK-India travel market, with potential service expansions and stronger partnerships. As demand for non-stop connections grows, British Airways’ long-standing relationship with India ensures its place at the forefront of the UK-India aviation sector.