British Airways has announced plans to increase its connectivity with India, as the airline supported a high-level UK trade mission led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The airline said it will launch a third daily flight between London Heathrow and Delhi in 2026, pending regulatory approval.
The move comes as both nations deepen business ties following the UK-India Free Trade Agreement signed earlier this year. The airline will also bring back its First Class cabin on Mumbai routes this month and introduce the new Club Suite business class across all five Indian routes by 2026.
Sean Doyle, Chairman and Chief Executive of British Airways, said: "I am delighted to take part in this important trade mission. Our ties with India were established over 100 years ago and today we have around 2,500 British Airways colleagues based there. We've been steadily increasing capacity between the UK and India over the years and we're now operating 56 direct services to five Indian cities each week,” according to an ANI report.
Over 130 UK business leaders and senior officials flew to India on a chartered British Airways flight as part of the “Britain Means Business” mission. Starmer praised the airline as a “symbol of partnership” between the two countries, noting its century-long presence in India.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, "British Airways has been connecting the United Kingdom with India for more than a century, a symbol of the enduring partnership, and deep cultural and economic ties between our two nations.”
"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 UK growth and helping deliver on our Plan for Change," Starmer continued, according to the latest statement.
The airline, which is marking 20 years of flights to Bengaluru, is also investing in better customer experience, including a Meet and Assist service for Indian travellers. This initiative has already helped more than 5,000 passengers since March.
Tags: British Airways, UK-India trade, Keir Starmer, Delhi flights, Free Trade Agreement
