Direct flights between Amritsar and London resume

After a gap of nearly five months, the holy city has once again regained direct air connectivity with the United Kingdom. Air India has resumed its Amritsar-London Gatwick service, marking the revival of a much-awaited route that was suspended following the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad on June 12.

The first flight took off from Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar, on October 29, while the return flight from London arrived on October 30, symbolizing renewed links between Punjab and its vast diaspora in the UK.

According to sources, the inaugural flights operated at full capacity, including business class seats, reflecting the strong demand and enthusiasm among travellers. Under the new schedule, the Amritsar-London Gatwick flight will operate three times a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

It will depart from Amritsar at 12.35 pm and arrive in London at 6 pm (local time), taking approximately 10 hours and 55 minutes. The return flight will depart London at 8 pm on the same days, arriving in Amritsar the next morning at 11.20 am after a 9-hour and 50-minute journey. Owing to Pakistan’s airspace restrictions, the flight duration is currently around two hours longer than usual.

Air India will also continue operating its Amritsar-Birmingham service three days a week, further strengthening air connectivity between Punjab and the United Kingdom. The resumption has been welcomed by the FlyAmritsar Initiative (FAI) and the Amritsar Vikas Manch (AVM), represented by Sameep Singh Gumtala (global convener of FAI) and Yogesh Kamra (secretary, AVM).

In a joint statement, Gumtala and Kamra said, “The reopening of this flight not only restores passenger travel but also reopens crucial cargo export opportunities. Punjab’s exporters and industries now regain direct access to UK markets,” they said, urging for enhanced cargo facilities and stronger logistics infrastructure.