UK (Commonwealth Union) _ IndiGo and British Airways have forged a new codeshare partnership, offering expanded connectivity between India and the United Kingdom. British Airways will now place its code on select IndiGo flights to three Indian destinations: Thiruvananthapuram, Rajkot, and Vadodara. This collaboration aims to facilitate seamless travel for passengers from these cities to London, where they can access British Airways’ services and amenities.
British Airways already operates direct flights to five prominent Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. The addition of these three IndiGo routes further enhances connectivity options for travellers between India and the UK. Passengers can now book a single ticket that covers their entire journey, streamlining the travel experience.
This partnership is expected to benefit various segments, including trade, commerce, tourism, students, and more. It responds to the growing demand for international travel and demonstrates a commitment to delivering efficient, affordable, and convenient travel options for customers.
Abhijit Dasgupta, Senior Vice President of Network Planning and Revenue Management at IndiGo, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in supporting trade and commerce between the two countries. It also provides students and tourists with more convenient travel choices. IndiGo, India’s largest carrier, continues to enhance its international connectivity, aligning with its promise of delivering punctual, cost-effective, courteous, and hassle-free travel experiences.
Neil Chernoff, Director of Network and Alliances at British Airways, highlighted the airline’s extensive history in India, which will reach the century mark in 2024. British Airways has been serving India since 1924, making it one of the airline’s oldest and most valued destinations. This partnership with IndiGo will enable customers to book their entire journey using a single ticket, ensuring a seamless travel experience from London to their final destination. It enhances passenger choice and flexibility.
British Airways currently operates 56 weekly flights to five major Indian cities, with Mumbai being the busiest route. Delhi receives twice-daily flights, while Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai have daily service. The total seat offering on British Airways’ flights to India exceeds 115,000 seats this month.
Notably, four airlines connect the UK with India: British Airways, Air India, Vistara, and Virgin Atlantic. British Airways holds the largest market share, followed closely by Air India. Virgin Atlantic and Vistara have smaller portions of the market share. Additionally, TUI is planning to introduce flights between the UK and Goa from London Gatwick and Manchester next summer, further expanding flight options between the two countries. In June 2024, a total of 1,211 flights are scheduled between the UK and India, reflecting the strong demand for air travel on this route.
