British Airways Plans to Expand Indian Network in 2026
British Airways is set to expand its operations in India, recognizing the country’s significant potential for travel. According to Rene de Groot, the Chief Operating Officer of the airline, the focus is on enhancing services amid rising demand for travel between the UK and India.
Expansion Plans for 2026
British Airways is considering adding more flights to its existing schedule, which currently connects London to five major Indian cities: Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. The airline already operates 56 weekly flights, including:
- Three daily flights to Mumbai
- One daily flight each to Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad
- Two daily flights to Delhi
Reports indicate that a third daily flight to Delhi may commence, pending regulatory approval. The expanded services aim to meet increasing demand in point-to-point travel.
Significant Market Presence
India is British Airways’ second-largest international market after the United States. The airline benefits from dedicated crew bases across its Indian gateways and has a local call center staffed by 2,000 employees. This strong local presence supports the airline’s premium services.
The travel trend includes visiting friends and family, tourism, and educational purposes, with approximately half a million Indians traveling to the UK annually. Additionally, the UK-India free trade agreement enhances the market’s attractiveness.
Competitive Landscape
British Airways faces competition from Virgin Atlantic, Air India, and IndiGo, all of which offer direct flights to London. Air India provides additional services to London Gatwick and Birmingham, while IndiGo connects Delhi and Mumbai to Manchester. European and Middle Eastern airlines, including Emirates and Qatar Airways, also contribute to the competitive environment.
101 Years of Service to India
This November marks a century of British Airways connecting the UK to India. The airline began its journey in 1924, operating a multi-stop flight from London to New Delhi that took 14 days. In celebration of this milestone, British Airways hosted events spotlighting its history and heritage in India.
Today, the airline operates more non-stop flights to India than any other European carrier, significantly reducing travel time from 14 days to approximately nine hours. Its fleet, which includes Airbus A350-1000, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787 Dreamliners, underscores its commitment to modern air travel.
Despite its dominant position, British Airways does not have exclusive lounges in India. However, passengers can access several partner lounges, including:
- Encalm Prive Lounge (Delhi)
- Adani Lounge (Mumbai)
- 080 BLR International Lounge (Bangalore)
- Travel Club Lounge (Chennai)
- Encalm Lounge (Hyderabad)
British Airways is poised to capitalize further on the growing demand for travel between the UK and India, enriching the travel experience for its passengers.
