Air India to Launch Direct Flights Between Bengaluru and London Gatwick
Air India is set to introduce non-stop flights between Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW) starting August 18, 2024. This development positions Bengaluru as the first Indian city to have direct connectivity to both of London’s major airports—Heathrow and Gatwick.
The new route will operate five times a week, providing passengers with a convenient and time-saving travel option. The service caters to the increasing demand for air travel between Bengaluru, a major technology hub, and London, a global center for finance and culture.
Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer at Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), emphasized the significance of the new route, stating, “This will boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. London is one of our busiest long-haul markets, and this service offers our passengers the flexibility to choose between London airports based on their needs.”
The new service will operate five times a week with the following schedule (effective August 18, 2024):
| Flight | Origin | Destination | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI177 | Bengaluru | London Gatwick | 1:05 PM IST | 7:05 PM GMT |
| AI178 | London Gatwick | Bengaluru | 8:35 PM GMT | 10:50 AM IST (+1) |
Air India will deploy its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on this route, ensuring a comfortable journey with 18 lie-flat beds in Business Class and 238 spacious seats in Economy Class. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We are delighted to offer non-stop flights between Bengaluru and London Gatwick. This route underscores our commitment to expanding our global network and addressing the growing travel demand between these two vital destinations.”
Currently, Air India also connects London Gatwick with four other Indian cities—Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Goa, and Kochi—alongside 31 weekly flights to London Heathrow and six weekly flights to Birmingham. The new Bengaluru-Gatwick route is expected to further enhance connectivity and convenience for travelers, contributing to the growing demand for efficient international travel options between India and the UK.
With the introduction of this service, Air India continues to strengthen its presence in the UK market, reinforcing its role in facilitating seamless global travel.
