Indian budget airline SpiceJet will launch its first long-haul flights to Heathrow in December.
The airline will fly once a week to Mumbai and twice a week to Delhi throughout the winter season under the “air bubble” agreement between the UK and India. Introductory economy return fares are £550.
The carrier will connect Delhi and Mumbai from 5 December having gained slots at Heathrow, which is currently only operating at 20% capacity.
SpiceJet will use a 371-seat Airbus A330-900neo aircraft with 18 business class seats and 353 in economy. It is understood to have obtained the aircraft and crew from charter airline Hi Fly.
SpiceJet chairman and managing director Ajay Singh told The Times of India: “SpiceJet will be the first Indian low-cost airline to operate non-stop long-haul flights to the UK.”
Another Indian carrier, Vistara, began flying from Heathrow to Delhi in August and now has schedules showing services until 27 March next year.