BA doubles India flights as Covid travel restrictions in UK, Europe ease

British Airways (BA) has increased its flights from India to the UK from 10 to 20 per week, in line with other airlines such as Air India, following an easing of Covid-19 travel restrictions with India’s downgrade from to red to amber .

"British Airways will now operate 20 direct return flights across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, providing convenient options for customers wanting to travel to London, Heathrow," BA said in a statement.

Earlier, the Indian government allowed UK carriers to operate additional flights, increasing the weekly cap from 15 to 34.

Moran Birger, BA’s Head of Sales for South Asia, Middle East and Africa, said: "It is wonderful to see connections between India and London being restored after months of uncertainty caused by the global pandemic.

“These additional new flights will allow our Indian customers, who have waited so patiently, to reunite with their loved ones. The flights also provide new travel options for Indian students wishing to travel to the UK and beyond for further studies, ahead of the start of a new academic year."

Under the amber list rules, fully vaccinated British citizens will no longer need to quarantine after returning from India. However, a full PCR test before departure and two days after returning are mandatory. Other nationals are required to self-isolate at their declared address, which for international students can be their university accommodation.

Meanwhile, across the Schengen zone, Austria became the latest European country to allow fully vaccinated travellers arriving from India, the UK and five other countries entry without compulsory quarantine.