London Gatwick Airport, the second-busiest airport in the United Kingdom, has rapidly ascended as a crucial hub for flights between the UK and India. Just two years ago, there were no direct flights connecting Gatwick to Indian cities. Today, the airport boasts 24 weekly Air India flights to four Indian cities, with a fifth destination, Bengaluru, slated to launch in August.
This strategic shift aligns with the broader expansion goals of Indian carriers, particularly Air India and IndiGo, who are intensifying their international connectivity efforts. Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer of London Gatwick Airport, highlighted the airport’s unique value proposition in an interview with Sukalp Sharma. Gatwick offers significantly lower airport costs—50% less than the slot-constrained London Heathrow—and greater flexibility in airline contracts, making it an attractive option for airlines.
Air India’s addition of a Bengaluru-Gatwick service starting August 18 underscores this growing partnership. Pollard expressed optimism about expanding this relationship further. “We would love them to operate three times as much as they do now. We currently have 24 frequencies a week across four routes (Kochi, Amritsar, Ahmedabad, and Goa) with Air India,” he said. However, he noted a consistent industry challenge: the shortage of aircraft. “There are lots of airlines that would be doing a lot more than what they are doing if they had more aircraft.”
Pollard emphasized that Air India is pleased with the current flight program from Gatwick and foresees potential for increased frequencies, larger aircraft, and additional Indian cities being connected to Gatwick. This mutual optimism bodes well for the future of UK-India air travel.
Discussing Gatwick’s view of the Indian market, Pollard stated, “The very fact that we are meeting here in Delhi is testament to the size of the market opportunity that we see in India. We look at every market around the world and India absolutely features in our top three target markets.” He cited the substantial aircraft orders by Air India and IndiGo as indicative of the growth potential.
From a standing start two years ago, India now accounts for 5% of Gatwick’s long-haul network, marking a 30% increase over the past year. Pollard envisions significant growth in the coming years, predicting, “I think it is perfectly feasible to see a tripling of our network to India within the next 10 years.”
This expansion reflects a broader trend of increasing connectivity between the UK and India, driven by both market demand and strategic positioning by key players like London Gatwick and Indian airlines. As this partnership deepens, travelers can expect more frequent and diverse flight options, strengthening ties between the two nations.
Key Points:
- Rapid Expansion of India-Gatwick Connectivity:
- London Gatwick Airport, the UK’s second-busiest, has grown from having no direct flights to India two years ago to offering 24 weekly Air India flights to four Indian cities.
- A fifth destination, Bengaluru, is scheduled to be added in August.
- Strategic Partnership with Indian Carriers:
- Indian carriers like Air India and IndiGo are expanding their networks and fleets, focusing on international routes.
- Gatwick offers 50% lower airport costs compared to London Heathrow and more flexible airline contracts.
- Positive Outlook for Future Growth:
- Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer of London Gatwick, expresses a desire to increase the frequency of flights and connect more Indian cities.
- Air India is satisfied with the current program and there is potential for larger aircraft and more routes.
- Significant Market Potential:
- India is one of the top three target markets for Gatwick due to its growth opportunities and substantial aircraft orders by Indian airlines.
- India currently represents 5% of Gatwick’s long-haul network, with a 30% increase over the past year.
- Long-term Vision:
- Pollard envisions a tripling of Gatwick’s network to India within the next 10 years, reflecting the airport’s strategic positioning and market demand.
