British Airways is charting a significant expansion of its operations in India, responding to the booming travel demand between the two nations. The airline's Chief Operating Officer, Rene de Groot, has confirmed plans to add new services starting next year, with a potential new daily route expected by 2026.
Strengthening the India-UK Air Bridge
Currently, British Airways operates a substantial 56 weekly flights from India to London Heathrow. Its network includes three daily flights from Mumbai, two from Delhi, and one each from the major tech hubs of Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai. The most immediate enhancement will be the introduction of a third daily flight from Delhi starting next year, pending regulatory approvals.
In a recent interview, COO Rene de Groot emphasized the airline's commitment to the Indian market, stating they are constantly reviewing their network to provide better connectivity and choice for customers. He highlighted the incredible potential of the Indian aviation sector, noting that India is the airline's second-largest market globally, trailing only the United States.
A Deep-Rooted Investment in India
British Airways' presence in India goes beyond just flights. The airline has made substantial investments in local manpower, establishing dedicated cabin crew bases in every Indian city it serves. This focus on local staff, as per Groot, is crucial for delivering a premium, personalized service without language barriers.
Further solidifying its footprint, the airline operates its CallBA call centre in Gurugram, which employs around 2,000 staff members. This facility provides 24/7 support to customers across the US, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Groot added that the airline continues to create employment opportunities and support regional economies in India.
Strategic Partnerships and Market Optimism
The expansion strategy is bolstered by key partnerships. British Airways has a codeshare agreement with IndiGo and, through a joint business with Qatar Airways, offers services to 13 Indian destinations, totaling 148 weekly one-way flights to India when combined.
Groot views the dynamic growth of Indian carriers like IndiGo and Air India positively, seeing it as a sign of India's emergence as a global aviation hub. This growth is further supported by the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the consistent travel demand from both tourism and education sectors, with half a million Indians visiting the UK annually.
