Air India is bound for disinvestment in the matter of a few months, however, this is not cutting the wings of the national carrier from reaching out to new destinations and expanding its network internationally. It is worth noting that Air India has recently started new flights to Nairobi and other international destinations connecting major Indian cities. The national carrier also started a flight to Toronto a few weeks back. Now, Air India is mulling to launch a new service to connect Delhi and London Stansted.
Mumbai-London Route Very Crucial for Airlines
Speaking of current connectivity to London from India, Air India has connectivity to London Stansted from Amristar. Whereas, there is also connectivity to London Heathrow from Mumbai as well. It is worth noting that Virgin Atlantic and British Airways are two other carriers who connect Mumbai to London Stansted. It is also worth noting that in the last five years, the air traffic on the London-Mumbai route has spiked by 25%. Further, it is expected to go up by another 27% in this FY owing to the resumption of services by Virgin Atlantic. On this route, Jet Airways also used to have its services three days in a week.
Air India to Start New Flight Within Winter Schedule
It is worth noting that there was a media tour being conducted by Air India on Saturday in which the reporters were shown various facilities of Air India including maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility and the iconic Air India tower. During this tour, Air India regional director, Ravi Bodade said, ”There are options to go to London Stansted from Mumbai. We are evaluating this route.”
Air India, currently has 42 flights to London per week from India. As per the director, Air India is currently studying the feasibility of the route and plans on bringing a new flight on this route in the winter schedule itself, which will last till March 28, 2020.
