India’s flag carrier, Air India will launch new routes across its network starting next month. Starting on India's independence day (15th August, 2016) Air India will be introducing non-stop flights from London to Ahmedabad.
This news has come as a victory after prolonged campaign by Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar along with local UK organisations, to ease out the journey for passengers especially the ones who are disabled, pregnant women and family with small children or eldery parents. It was last year November, during Prime Minister Modi's visit he referred to 'his friend' and our Editor/Publisher CB Patel's tireless efforts to make this a possibility.
Earlier, Air India passengers flying between London and Ahmedabad had to stop at Mumbai or travel via Delhi. This non-stop service will reduce journey time by up to three and a half hours, each way. Also effective 15th August, non-stop flights from London Heathrow to Newark, New Jersey in the USA are being introduced.
The direct flights will be operated by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, flying from London to Ahmedabad 4 times a week and London to Newark 3 times a week. Customers will be able to experience the Dreamliner’s 18 Business Class seats offer the luxury of comfortable, flat beds to ensure passengers arrive fresh and relaxed at their destinations. The Economy class cabins boast of a seat pitch of 33 inches, and a width of 17 inches.
Regional Manager for UK & Europe, Ms Tara Naidu said, “We are delighted to announce the introduction of non-stop flights from London Heathrow to Ahmedabad, a popular destination for the huge Gujarati community in the UK. We are excited to restart flights from London Heathrow to the USA. Both these direct flights commence from 15th August 2016 coinciding with India’s 70th Independence Day.’
Air India, a Star Alliance Member, now operates 5 flights from the UK, into India’s gateway cities, with seamless connections to over 50 domestic destinations within India.
