Published on
December 24, 2025
A significant step in strengthening long-haul connectivity between India and the United Kingdom has been announced with the introduction of new widebody services by IndiGo Airlines. Beginning in February 2026, direct air links between Delhi and London Heathrow will be enhanced through the deployment of Boeing 787 aircraft, marking a notable development in the airline’s international growth strategy. The addition of this route is positioned to support rising demand across business, leisure, education, and visiting friends and relatives travel segments between the two countries.
As one of the world’s most connected airports, London Heathrow plays a critical role in global travel flows, and improved access from India’s national capital is expected to benefit both inbound and outbound tourism. With this expansion, IndiGo Airlines is set to deepen its presence in the United Kingdom, complementing existing services from Mumbai and reinforcing India’s expanding footprint in long-haul aviation markets. The new flights also reflect Delhi’s growing importance as a global gateway, aligning with broader efforts to enhance international travel options for Indian passengers while making tourism between India and the United Kingdom more seamless and accessible.
IndiGo Airlines Introduces Direct Delhi–London Heathrow Flights
Direct flights between Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, and London Heathrow Airport are scheduled to commence on 2 February 2026. The service will be operated five times a week, creating a new nonstop link between two major global cities. Boeing 787 aircraft will be utilised on the route, enabling efficient long-haul operations while offering enhanced passenger comfort.
With the launch of these services, IndiGo Airlines will operate a total of 12 weekly flights to London Heathrow, combining the new Delhi services with its existing daily Mumbai–London Heathrow operations. This expanded schedule is expected to improve flexibility for travelers while strengthening overall air connectivity between India and the United Kingdom.
Aircraft, Cabin Configuration, and Leasing Arrangement
The Delhi–London Heathrow flights will be operated using Boeing 787 aircraft sourced through wet or damp lease arrangements from Norse Atlantic Airways. This approach allows the airline to rapidly scale its long-haul network while maintaining operational reliability.
The aircraft will feature a dual-class cabin configuration, comprising IndiGoStretch and Economy Class. This layout is intended to cater to a broader range of passenger preferences, offering additional comfort options alongside competitively priced economy seating. The inclusion of IndiGoStretch is expected to appeal particularly to long-haul travelers seeking enhanced space and amenities.
Delhi–London Heathrow Flight Schedule
The new service has been structured to provide convenient departure and arrival times for travelers in both India and the United Kingdom. All timings are local and subject to regulatory approvals.
- Delhi to London Heathrow will be operated under flight number 6E 0003 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, departing at 09:40 and arriving at 14:55.
- London Heathrow to Delhi will operate as flight 6E 0004 on the same days, departing at 17:15 and arriving in Delhi at 08:15 the following day.
Overnight travel has been built into the return sector to ensure optimal aircraft utilisation and passenger connectivity.
Strengthening India–United Kingdom Travel Demand
Travel demand between India and the United Kingdom has continued to grow steadily, driven by strong economic ties, tourism, education, and family connections. The addition of Delhi to IndiGo’s UK network is expected to play a key role in meeting this demand while offering more direct travel options.
London remains one of the most popular destinations for Indian travelers, while India continues to attract visitors from the United Kingdom for leisure, cultural exploration, and business opportunities. Enhanced air connectivity is therefore viewed as a vital enabler for tourism and bilateral engagement between the two countries.
Delhi’s Rising Role as an International Aviation Hub
The launch of Delhi–London Heathrow services reflects the increasing importance of Delhi as a global aviation gateway. In recent months, multiple new international routes have been introduced from the national capital, highlighting its expanding role in long-haul and medium-haul travel.
Direct flights have recently been launched from Delhi to destinations such as Denpasar in Bali, Krabi, Hanoi, Guangzhou, and Manchester. Additional services from Delhi to Athens are scheduled to begin in January 2026, further diversifying the city’s international network.
Over the past year, IndiGo Airlines has added 10 new international destinations and more than 30 international routes from various Indian cities. This sustained expansion underscores a broader internationalisation strategy aimed at positioning India more prominently within global travel and tourism flows.
Strategic Vision Behind the New Route
The introduction of the Delhi–London Heathrow route has been framed as part of a wider effort to enhance customer choice while supporting growing travel demand between major global cities. The service builds upon recent long-haul launches, including Mumbai–London Heathrow and Delhi and Mumbai–Manchester flights.
Through this expansion, a stronger foundation is being established for international travel from India, with a focus on accessibility, network depth, and improved connectivity to key global markets. The strategy is aligned with long-term goals of making international travel more seamless for Indian passengers while supporting tourism growth.
London as a Global Tourism Destination
London continues to be regarded as one of the world’s most influential and diverse cities, offering a blend of history, culture, and modern urban life. The city attracts millions of visitors annually from across the globe, including a substantial number from India.
Iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London represent centuries of history and royal heritage. London’s cultural landscape is further enriched by world-renowned museums, many of which offer free entry, including the British Museum, the National Gallery, Tate Modern, and the Natural History Museum.
Arts, Markets, and Local Experiences in London
The city’s arts and entertainment scene is recognised globally, with the West End theatre district hosting year-round productions. Shakespeare’s Globe provides historically inspired performances that highlight England’s theatrical traditions.
Local markets such as Borough Market, Camden Market, and Brick Lane showcase London’s multicultural identity through food, fashion, and street culture. Areas like Covent Garden combine shopping, dining, and live performances, creating vibrant spaces for visitors.
Parks, Safety, and Practical Travel Information
London offers extensive green spaces, including Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, which provide open areas for relaxation within the city. Trafalgar Square serves as a central civic space and is surrounded by major cultural institutions.
The city is generally considered safe for visitors, although awareness is advised in crowded tourist areas where pickpocketing may occur. Public transport is reliable and extensive, with the Underground, buses, and trains providing efficient access across the city. Oyster Cards and contactless payments are widely used and help manage travel costs.
Accommodation, Transport, and Best Time to Visit
Accommodation in London ranges from budget hostels to luxury hotels, with options available across different neighborhoods. Areas such as Bloomsbury, South Bank, King’s Cross, and Notting Hill are popular among visitors due to their connectivity and attractions.
Public transport remains the most cost-effective way to explore the city, while walking is practical in central districts. Spring and autumn are often considered the most favorable times to visit due to mild weather and manageable crowd levels, while winter offers lower accommodation costs despite colder conditions.
A Boost for India–United Kingdom Tourism Links
The addition of direct Delhi–London Heathrow flights by IndiGo Airlines is expected to provide a meaningful boost to tourism and travel between India and the United Kingdom. Improved connectivity, combined with competitive pricing and modern aircraft, is likely to encourage greater movement of travelers in both directions.
As international travel demand continues to recover and expand, such routes are positioned to play an important role in strengthening cultural exchange, economic ties, and tourism flows between the two countries.
