India and UK Expand Air Service Agreement to Boost Flights

The UK's Department for Transport (DFT) revealed that the enhanced agreement allows for a total of 70 weekly services between London Heathrow and these two major Indian hubs, starting from the upcoming winter season. Currently, carriers from both nations operate 56 flights per week on these routes.

"With around 300,000 travelers between India and the UK each month and bilateral trade in goods and services reaching ?39 billion in 2023, this expansion will strengthen our robust relationship with India, supporting business, trade, and tourism," the DFT stated.

The expansion is particularly beneficial for UK airlines that have utilized their maximum allowance of 56 weekly flights. Indian carriers, including Air India and Vistara, currently run 38 weekly flights between London Heathrow and India.

Virgin Atlantic has already announced plans for a second London-Mumbai service starting at the end of October, anticipating the increased traffic rights.

Kapil Kaul, CEO of aviation consultancy CAPA India, noted, "The expansion of traffic rights between India and London Heathrow Airport is a logical step and long overdue. However, slot constraints at Heathrow remain a significant issue."

In 2023, nearly four million passengers traveled between India and the UK, with Delhi and London Heathrow being the busiest airports for this traffic. Other notable routes included Mumbai to London Gatwick and Manchester to Kochi. Major carriers in the market include Air India, British Airways, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, and Etihad, with Emirates capturing nearly 10% of the market share. Air India leads with approximately 30%.

Indiver Rastogi, president & group head of global business travel at Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel, welcomed the revision, saying, "The increased flights are positive news, addressing the high demand and easing current capacity constraints. This should also help in rationalizing airfares on these routes."

The updated air service agreement is set to enhance connectivity, promote economic growth, and foster stronger ties between India and the UK.