BA confirms India expansion as UK trade mission lands in country

A third daily British Airways flight between Heathrow and Delhi is to be introduced next year, the airline has confirmed.

The carrier will also look for further growth opportunities in the country as trade between the UK and India increases.

The airline’s First cabin will return on flights to Mumbai this month, with the latest business class Club Suite on select flights across all five Indian routes by the end of 2026.

The extra frequency will give passengers travelling to India more choice and flexibility, BA confirmed as it carried 130 top UK chief executives and ministers led by prime minister Keir Starmer on government trade mission to the country.  

BA also faces fresh competition with Indian carrier IndiGo starting flights between Heathrow and Mumbai this month.  

Manchester airport will also see a new route to Delhi operated by IndiGo, adding to its existing Mumbai service and making it the only UK airport outside London with connections to both cities. 

Manchester airport managing sirector Chris Woodroofe said: “We are proud to connect the north to the world and today’s announcement means people and businesses across the region will now have direct access to both India’s financial centre and its capital. 

“That will drive tens of millions of pounds in economic value every year, supporting the government’s growth agenda and boosting the benefits of the new UK-India trade deal. 

“It is pleasing to see MAG’s £1.3 billion investment in Manchester airport unlocking the potential of our two runways, driving growth and prosperity across the north through routes like these with IndiGo.” 

BA chief executive Sean Doyle, who flagged the India expansion at the weekend following a new free trade deal signed in July, said: “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. 

“The free trade agreement with India will boost economic momentum between our two countries and British Airways really sits at the centre of that activity, acting as an enabler for increased trade. 

“We will develop our own network alongside increased economic activity. 

“As the airline that offers the biggest network of any European carrier into the North Atlantic, we also help connect India to the US and beyond, so when you add this factor into the mix, there’s a lot to be excited about for our two connected economies.” 

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.”