Amritsar: After nearly five months, Amritsar has regained direct air connectivity with the United Kingdom, as Air India recommences its Amritsar–London Gatwick service. The route had been suspended following the Air India crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, and its revival is being seen as a significant boost for both passenger travel and trade.
The first flight departed from Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport on October 29, with the return service from London landing on October 30. Both inaugural flights reportedly operated at full capacity, including business class, highlighting strong demand among travelers and the Punjabi diaspora in the UK.
Under the revised schedule, the Amritsar–London Gatwick flight will run three times a week—Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The flight leaves Amritsar at 12:35 pm, reaching London at 6 pm local time after nearly 11 hours, while the return journey departs London at 8 pm, arriving in Amritsar the next morning at 11:20 am. Due to restrictions on Pakistan’s airspace, travel time is currently extended by 1.5 to 2 hours.
In addition to the Gatwick route, Air India will continue operating its Amritsar–Birmingham service three days a week, further strengthening air connectivity between Punjab and the UK.
The resumption has been welcomed by organizations promoting regional aviation and trade, including the FlyAmritsar Initiative (FAI) and Amritsar Vikas Manch (AVM). Sameep Singh Gumtala, Global Convener of FAI, and AVM Secretary Yogesh Kamra emphasized that the route not only facilitates travel but also reopens vital cargo export channels.
“Punjab’s exporters now regain direct access to UK markets,” the duo said in a joint statement, urging improvements in cargo handling and logistics infrastructure to fully leverage the restored connectivity.
The revival of the Amritsar–London route is expected to strengthen ties between Punjab and its global diaspora, while also providing a boost to trade and tourism.
