British Airways plans bigger expansion in India as travel demand surges

British Airways is preparing to increase its presence in India, citing strong travel demand and the country’s growing importance in global aviation. A senior airline executive said the carrier sees “significant potential” in India and aims to expand both flights and employment in the region.

British Airways has been flying to India for more than 100 years. Today, the airline operates 56 flights every week between India and London. Its current schedule includes 3 flights daily from Mumbai, 2 flights daily from Delhi, 1 flight each from Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai.

The airline is now planning to add a third daily flight between Delhi and London next year, depending on regulatory approval. “As demand continues to rise, we are always looking at how we can improve our services. Our network is reviewed constantly to ensure we provide the right options and connectivity for our customers,” said Rene de Groot, Chief Operating Officer of British Airways, in an interview with the Press Trust of India.

India is British Airways’ second-biggest market after the United States. To support its operations, the airline has crew bases in all five Indian cities it serves. De Groot said having trained local staff is important for ensuring personalised and culturally aware service.

“In India, we continue to create jobs, support regional economies, and promote the best of Britain,” he added.

British Airways also runs a major customer service centre, CallBA, in Gurugram, Haryana. The centre employs around 2,000 people who provide round-the-clock support to customers in the US, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. “We have made substantial investments in India and steadily expanded our workforce here, both at CallBA and at our cabin crew bases,” De Groot said.

The airline’s reach in India is further strengthened through partnerships like codeshare agreements with IndiGo and a global partnership with Qatar Airways. Together, these allow British Airways to offer access to 13 destinations across India, amounting to 148 weekly flights, either directly to London or via Doha.

Earlier this year, British Airways also launched a Meet and Assist service to help travellers who require additional support when flying from India to the UK.

De Groot welcomed the rapid expansion of airlines such as IndiGo and Air India, calling it a positive sign for India’s aviation sector. “The dynamic growth of Indian carriers is good for the aviation industry and supports India’s rise as a global aviation hub,” he said.

The United Kingdom continues to be a popular destination for Indian travellers, especially tourists and students. Around 500,000 Indians travel to the UK every year, a number supported by strong diaspora connections and the ongoing India-UK Free Trade Agreement talks.