LONDON- British Airways (BA) plans to restart direct flights between London (LHR) and Kolkata (CCU) in the coming weeks, ending a hiatus that has lasted several years.
The airline will likely operate flights twice a week between London Heathrow (LHR) and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata (CCU). This new connection aims to strengthen the travel links between the two cities while boosting bilateral trade and tourism between India and the United Kingdom.
Photo- BriYYZ; Wikimedia CommonsBritish Airways Restarting Kolkata Flights
British Airways maintains a strong position among international carriers serving India, currently operating daily direct flights to major metro cities.
The airline offers extensive connectivity from these Indian hubs to London Heathrow (LHR), which serves as its global headquarters and primary international gateway.
The carrier also provides onward connections from London to over 200 destinations worldwide, making it a preferred choice for Indian travelers heading to Europe, North America, and beyond. Its membership in the Oneworld alliance further expands travel options for passengers.
The airline will deploy its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on the Kolkata (CCU)-London (LHR) route, offering passengers a modern travel experience. The direct service will significantly cut travel time from the current 12-15 hours (including layovers) to approximately 8 hours, creating a faster and more comfortable journey for travelers.
The biweekly schedule represents an initial phase, with British Airways (BA) monitoring passenger demand before potentially increasing flight frequency. Industry reports indicate that nearly 200,000 passengers annually will benefit from this direct connection between the two cities.
Photo- Krzysztof Kaczala; Wikimedia CommonsHistorical Context of the Route
Direct flights between Kolkata (CCU) and London (LHR) have a long and complicated history dating back to British colonial rule. British Airways, which operated flights to Kolkata for nearly 80 years, discontinued services in March 2009 due to changing market dynamics.
Air India (AI) briefly filled this gap with direct London-Kolkata flights beginning in 2005 but canceled the service in 2008, citing insufficient demand.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the route saw a brief revival, with Air India operating twice weekly from September 2020 before being reduced to once weekly by October and ultimately withdrawn on March 21, 2022.
The upcoming resumption marks a significant development for travelers in eastern India, who currently must connect through Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), or international hubs to reach London.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalIndia’s Aviation Growth
According to International Air Transport Association (IATA) data, India represents one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. In 2023, more than 5 million passengers traveled between India and the UK, with London serving as a primary destination for Indian travelers.
Industry experts predict continued growth in this corridor, driven by business travel, tourism, and the large Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom.
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