The Indian flag carrier will launch routes from the London airport to Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Kochi and Goa, switching them from Heathrow and flying each three-times a week.

Flights to Ahmedabad and Amritsar started on Sunday (26 March), with services to Kochi starting on Monday  (27 March) and to Goa on Tuesday (28 March).

From Heathrow, Air India will add five additional weekly frequencies, with flights to Delhi increasing from 14 to 17 times a week, and to Mumbai from 12 to 14 times a week.

The carrier also plans to upgrade the equipment on its Heathrow to Delhi and Mumbai routes with Boeing 777 aircraft, expected to be added from May 2023, allowing for its First Class service to be reinstated.

Campbell Wilson, Air India managing director and chief executive, said: "We have ambitious yet focused plans to restore Air India to its rightful place as one of the world’s foremost carriers.

"Our substantial investment in customer service, new aircraft and the brand overall will enable us to gain market share on key routes from the UK to India as well as drive more business and leisure travellers to visit India itself."