London Gatwick Airport has seen a significant increase in connectivity with India in recent years, with around 24 weekly Air India flights connecting four Indian cities to Gatwick. The airport is now looking to further expand its connectivity with India by increasing flight frequencies and adding more destinations, with priority cities being Delhi and Mumbai. Discussions are ongoing with IndiGo, which plans to induct Airbus A350 aircraft by 2027, potentially enabling flights to London Gatwick. The airport is known for its proximity to London and lower operational costs compared to Heathrow, making it an attractive option for low-cost carriers.
The UK and India have an open sky agreement that allows unlimited flights between most cities, with some capacity limits for specific cities. Gatwick’s plan to use its emergency runway for regular operations could increase capacity to 75 million passengers. Direct flights are preferred by business travelers and those visiting family due to convenience and reduced travel time, while one-stop flights offer attractive stopover programs for leisure travelers. India has a rapidly growing population and a strong diaspora in the UK, particularly in Gatwick’s catchment area, which further drives demand.
Efforts are ongoing to raise awareness among Indian travelers about Gatwick’s benefits, emphasizing ease, efficiency, and a pleasant airport experience. There is interest in connecting with smaller Indian cities beyond the major metros, tapping into the large populations of tier-two and tier-three cities. Competition between airports like Gatwick and Heathrow benefits consumers through better pricing and service options, though slot constraints remain a challenge, requiring reforms to meet growing demand. The upcoming Bengaluru route, launching on August 18th with five weekly services, is expected to be highly successful with strong demand from day one.
In a conversation with Stephanie Wear, vice president of aviation development at London Gatwick Airport, Skift Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia discusses Gatwick’s rapid expansion of connectivity with India, current and future flight routes, the benefits of flying through Gatwick, and the potential for further growth in the Indian market. The airport is in continuous talks with Air India and other carriers to increase connectivity with India, with plans for more direct routes to tap into the Indian outbound market. This includes establishing connections with smaller Indian cities and promoting Gatwick’s unique offerings to attract more Indian and British carriers.
With India set to get second airports in Delhi and Mumbai soon, the discussion also touches on whether collaboration or competition works better between airports serving the same catchment area. Gatwick’s expansion of connectivity with India is driven by the significant unserved demand and historical trade and tourism ties between the UK and India. The airport’s investments in terminal upgrades and a seamless passenger experience, combined with its strategic location near London, make it an attractive choice for airlines like IndiGo looking to expand their international routes. Overall, Gatwick’s efforts to increase connectivity with India reflect the growing demand for direct flights between the two countries and the airport’s commitment to providing a convenient and efficient travel experience for passengers.
