Flights to India from UK

Compare cheap fares to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai & more — all major airlines compared

Google

Rated 4.9 on Google

Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews
Verified customer reviews
Trusted Booking Support
Your money is fully protected
Best Price Guarantee
Found cheaper? We’ll beat it
Global Airline Network
100+ trusted airlines worldwide

Book Flights to India

Enter your travel details and get the best fares from our India specialists

Adults (12+ yrs)
1
Children (2-11 yrs)
0
Infants (under 2)
0

Average Return Fares to India by Month

Based on historical fare data from UK airports to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad combined

United Kingdom to India — average economy return fares

Prices updated regularly — indicative figures
Low season (best value)
Shoulder season
Peak season (Diwali, Christmas)
From £299
Cheapest one-way found
Jan – Mar
Cheapest months to fly
8–12 weeks
Optimal booking window
7+ airlines
Competing on every route

Popular UK to India Routes

Direct and connecting flights from major UK airports — London, Manchester, Birmingham & more

Cheap flights London to Delhi India

London to Delhi

From £299
British Airways · Air India · Virgin Atlantic
~8h 30m direct LHR → DEL
Get a Quote
Cheap flights London to Mumbai India

London to Mumbai

From £309
Virgin Atlantic · Air India · Emirates
~8h 45m direct LHR → BOM
Get a Quote
Cheap flights Manchester to Bangalore India

Manchester to Bangalore

From £329
Emirates · Qatar Airways · Etihad
~11h via DXB MAN → BLR
Get a Quote
Cheap flights Birmingham to Hyderabad India

Birmingham to Hyderabad

From £319
Emirates · Qatar · Air India
~12h via DXB BHX → HYD
Get a Quote

When to Book India Flights from UK

India fares from the UK rise sharply 10–14 weeks before Diwali, Christmas, and school holidays — book early to secure the best price

Diwali, Christmas & UK School Holidays — the three busiest travel periods from the UK to India

Every year, hundreds of thousands of British Indian families, tourists and business travellers book flights to India for Diwali and the festive season. Seats fill fast and prices increase by up to 50% in the final 10 weeks before key dates. Use the guide below to plan your booking and contact TripNext for a price alert the moment fares reach your target.

Diwali and Christmas fares sell out faster than any other period — book 3–4 months ahead for best fares
Diwali Peak Travel
Oct 2026 — Nov 2026
Book by: Jul 2026
Christmas & New Year
Dec 2026 – Jan 2027
Book by: Sep 2026
UK February Half-Term
Mid-Feb 2027
Book by: Nov 2026
Easter School Holidays
Apr 2027
Book by: Jan 2027
UK Summer Holidays
Jul – Aug 2027
Book by: Apr 2027

Book 10–14 Weeks in Advance

For Diwali and Christmas, 3–4 months is the sweet spot. Direct British Airways and Air India seats sell first; indirect routings via Dubai and Doha hold slightly longer but premium economy fills quickly.

Fly Mid-Week for Lower Fares

Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically 15–20% cheaper than Friday and Saturday. On the London to Delhi route, this flexibility can save £80–£150 per person return.

Call Our India Specialists

For group bookings of 4 or more, calling TripNext directly often unlocks fares unavailable online. Our team knows the UK–India routes inside out, including last-minute availability on Air India and British Airways.

Why UK Travellers Choose India

Everything you need to know before you fly from the UK to India

India is home to one of the world’s largest diasporas in the UK, with over 1.4 million people of Indian origin living across Leicester, Birmingham, London, Manchester and beyond. Visiting family in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Punjab or Kerala accounts for a significant share of UK–India flights each year.

British Indian families travelling to India typically carry substantial baggage — gifts, clothing and electronics. Emirates’ economy allowance via Dubai and Air India’s direct service from Heathrow are consistently popular choices for family travel, alongside Qatar Airways and Etihad for their comfort and on-time record.

India offers an unparalleled diversity of travel experiences — from the Taj Mahal in Agra and the palaces of Rajasthan to the backwaters of Kerala, the temples of Tamil Nadu and the beaches of Goa. The Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) remains the most popular UK tourist itinerary, typically flown into Delhi Indira Gandhi International.

For budget-conscious tourists, January to March offers the cheapest fares with excellent weather in most of India. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul and Air Arabia via Sharjah frequently offer the lowest entry-point fares, while Air India direct provides the fastest and most convenient routing from London Heathrow.

India’s booming tech sector in Bangalore, financial hub in Mumbai, government and consulting activity in Delhi, and pharmaceutical industry in Hyderabad make it one of the UK’s most important business travel corridors. Qatar Airways via Doha and British Airways direct are widely regarded as the best business class options for UK–India travel.

For corporate travellers, the direct London Heathrow to Delhi service operated by British Airways and Air India is the fastest routing at around 8–9 hours. Direct services also operate to Mumbai from Heathrow. Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai require one connecting stop regardless of carrier.

~8h
London to Delhi (direct)
~8h 45m
London to Mumbai (direct)
7+ airlines
Competing on this route
30kg
Emirates economy baggage
Taj Mahal Agra India flights from UK India golden triangle flights

India Events & Peak Travel Calendar 2026–2027

Plan your flights from the UK around India’s biggest festivals, events and school holiday periods

Event / Season Approx. Dates (2026–27) Key Destination(s) Demand Level Book By
UK Summer Holidays — India Season Jul – Aug 2026 Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Kerala Peak 12–16 weeks ahead
Independence Day India 15 Aug 2026 Delhi (DEL) High 8 weeks ahead
Navratri & Durga Puja Sep – Oct 2026 Gujarat, Kolkata, Delhi High 8–10 weeks ahead
Diwali — Festival of Lights Oct 2026 (approx. 20 Oct) Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Varanasi Peak 14–18 weeks ahead
Pushkar Camel Fair (Rajasthan) Nov 2026 Jaipur → Pushkar (JAI) High 8 weeks ahead
Christmas & New Year Dec 2026 – Jan 2027 Goa, Kerala, Delhi, Mumbai Peak 14–18 weeks ahead
Republic Day India 26 Jan 2027 Delhi (DEL) High 8 weeks ahead
UK February Half-Term Feb 2027 All major cities High 10–14 weeks ahead
Holi — Festival of Colours Mar 2027 Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, Vrindavan High 8–10 weeks ahead
Easter School Holidays (UK) Apr 2027 All major cities High 12–16 weeks ahead
Indian Premier League (IPL) Cricket Mar – May 2027 Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad Moderate 6–8 weeks ahead
Low Season — Best Value Jan – Mar & Jul – Sep All destinations Best Value Book any time

Not sure when to fly? Call +44 20 7550 8212 to speak with our India route specialists

Call Now for Best Fares

Flying to India as a Group or Family?

Group bookings of 4 or more often unlock fares and seat allocations not available online

Everything a group needs when booking India flights from the UK

Whether you’re travelling as a family for Diwali in Delhi, attending a wedding in Mumbai or organising a corporate trip to Bangalore, booking as a group with TripNext means personalised fare negotiation, flexible seat allocation and dedicated support from booking through to boarding.

  • Group booking discounts for 4+ passengers on the same flight
  • Extra baggage advice — compare Air India 25kg vs Emirates 30kg vs British Airways 23kg
  • Best airlines for medium-haul comfort — especially with children and elderly passengers
  • Delhi vs Mumbai routing — which works better for your itinerary?
  • Multi-city options — fly into Delhi, travel overland, fly home from Mumbai
  • Special meal requests and seat preferences managed for all passengers
Oct–Nov
Peak Diwali travel from UK to India
30kg
Emirates economy baggage to India
4+
Passengers qualify for group rates
3–4 mo
Recommended booking lead time
India family group travel flights from UK

Queries Answered for Flights to India from UK

The most commonly asked questions about booking India flights from the UK, answered clearly

Quick answers: Use the questions below to find exactly what you need. Each answer is written for UK travellers booking India flights — covering visas, airlines, baggage, seasons and more.
British Airways and Air India operate direct non-stop flights from London Heathrow to both Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM). Virgin Atlantic operates a direct service to Delhi from Heathrow. Connecting options include Emirates via Dubai, Qatar Airways via Doha, Etihad via Abu Dhabi, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, and Oman Air via Muscat. Direct flights to Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and other South Indian cities are not available from the UK; all require one stop.
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi take approximately 8 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 45 minutes. Connecting flights via Dubai, Doha or Istanbul take 11 to 14 hours total including layover time. The direct British Airways and Air India services are the fastest and most popular option.
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Mumbai take approximately 8 hours 45 minutes to 9 hours 15 minutes. Air India and Virgin Atlantic operate direct services. Emirates via Dubai and Qatar Airways via Doha offer connecting options taking 10–13 hours in total.
There are currently no direct non-stop flights from the UK to Bangalore (BLR) or Hyderabad (HYD). All flights require at least one connecting stop. The most popular connecting hubs are Dubai (via Emirates), Doha (via Qatar Airways) and Abu Dhabi (via Etihad). Flight times to Bangalore or Hyderabad with one stop are typically 11 to 14 hours total.
The cheapest months to fly from the UK to India are January, February, March and July to September. Fares are highest from October to December (Diwali, Christmas, New Year) and during UK school half-term breaks in February and April. Booking 8–12 weeks in advance during off-peak periods secures the lowest fares. The Christmas and Diwali periods should be booked 3–4 months ahead.
Yes. UK citizens require a visa before travelling to India. The most convenient option is the Indian e-Visa (eTV), applied for online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Tourist e-Visas are typically processed within 72 hours and allow stays of up to 90 days. A double or multiple-entry e-Visa is also available. Always verify the latest requirements on gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india before booking, as Indian visa rules can change.
Emirates and Qatar Airways typically offer 30kg checked baggage in economy on UK–India routes. Air India offers 25kg, Etihad 30kg, Turkish Airlines 30kg. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic allow 23kg in standard economy. For families taking large amounts of luggage, Emirates and Qatar Airways’ more generous allowances are a key advantage. Always confirm at time of booking.
London Heathrow (LHR) is the primary UK airport for flights to India with direct services to Delhi and Mumbai. Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow all offer connecting services via Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi. Heathrow provides the widest choice and most competitive fares. Passengers from northern England can often find competitive fares via Manchester without travelling to London. London Gatwick offers connecting flights via Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Turkish Airlines via Istanbul and Oman Air via Muscat often offer the lowest economy fares from the UK to India. Air Arabia via Sharjah is also competitively priced for those connecting from London Gatwick or Manchester. Air India frequently runs promotional fares on its direct Heathrow services. Emirates and Qatar Airways offer excellent mid-range pricing with strong service and baggage allowances.
At 8–9 hours direct, the UK to India route is medium-long-haul. Business class is popular for corporate travellers and those wanting to arrive well-rested. British Airways Club World, Qatar Airways QSuites and Air India Business are the most popular options. Business class fares to India from the UK can start from as little as £1,200 return booked 3–4 months ahead off-peak.
The best time to visit India from the UK is October to March, when the weather across most of India is dry and comfortable. North India (Delhi, Jaipur, Agra) is best October to March. South India (Kerala, Goa) is best November to February. The Himalayas and hill stations are best May to June. The monsoon season runs June to September — this is when fares are cheapest but some areas experience heavy rainfall. The Holi festival in March and Diwali in October/November are peak cultural times to visit.

UK Airports with Flights to India

Which UK airport should you fly from? Compare all departure airports, airlines and routes to India

UK Airport Code Indian Destinations Airlines Route Type Total Flight Time
London Heathrow LHR Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata British Airways, Air India, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, Qatar, Etihad, Turkish Direct (DEL, BOM)Connecting 8–14h
London Gatwick LGW Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore Emirates (via DXB), Flydubai, Air Arabia Connecting 11–15h
Manchester MAN Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Amritsar Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, Air India Connecting 11–15h
Birmingham BHX Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Turkish Airlines Connecting 12–16h
Edinburgh EDI Delhi, Mumbai Emirates (via DXB), Qatar Airways (via DOH) Connecting 13–16h
Glasgow GLA Delhi, Mumbai Emirates, Qatar Airways Connecting 13–16h
Newcastle NCL Delhi, Amritsar Emirates (via DXB), Air India (via LHR) Connecting 13–16h

Route availability changes seasonally. Call +44 20 7550 8212 for the latest route and schedule information on your preferred departure airport.

Which Airline is Best for India Flights from the UK?

Compare airlines on price, baggage, routing and service quality to choose the right one for your trip

Airline Route Type Economy Baggage From (one-way) Connects Via Best For Rating
British Airways Top Pick Direct 23 kg £299 Direct (LHR→DEL/BOM) Speed, reliability, Avios ★★★★☆
Air India Direct 25 kg £309 Direct (LHR→DEL/BOM) Direct service, value, baggage ★★★☆☆
Emirates Connecting 30 kg £319 Dubai (DXB) Families, baggage, comfort ★★★★☆
Qatar Airways Connecting 30 kg £315 Doha (DOH) Business class, on-time record ★★★★★
Etihad Airways Connecting 30 kg £305 Abu Dhabi (AUH) Business class value ★★★★☆
Virgin Atlantic Direct 23 kg £319 Direct (LHR→DEL) Comfort, direct Delhi service ★★★★☆
Turkish Airlines Connecting 30 kg £289 Istanbul (IST) Budget-conscious travellers ★★★☆☆

Prices are indicative. Fares vary by date, class and availability. Baggage allowances are for standard economy and may differ by fare type. Call +44 20 7550 8212 for live pricing.

Baggage Allowances — India Flights from UK

Travelling to India with family gifts or for an extended stay? Here’s what each major airline allows

Best Allowance
Emirates
30 kg economy checked
Business class: 40 kg
  • Very generous allowance ideal for family trips
  • Hand luggage: 7 kg
  • Connects via Dubai with optional stopover
  • Serves Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai
Qatar Airways
30 kg economy checked
Business class: 40 kg
  • 5-star airline, consistent service quality
  • QSuites — world-class business class
  • Hand luggage: 7 kg
  • Connects via Doha with short layover options
Etihad Airways
30 kg economy checked
Business class: 40 kg
  • Premium service via Abu Dhabi
  • Excellent business class suites
  • Hand luggage: 7 kg
  • Serves Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad
Air India
25 kg economy checked
Business class: 35 kg
  • Only Indian carrier flying direct from UK
  • Direct London Heathrow to Delhi & Mumbai
  • Hand luggage: 8 kg
  • Indian cuisine and entertainment on board
British Airways
23 kg economy checked
Business class: 40 kg
  • Direct Heathrow to Delhi & Mumbai
  • Earn Avios on every journey
  • Hand luggage: 23 kg (Club World)
  • Codeshare options to tier 2 Indian cities
Turkish Airlines
30 kg economy checked
Business class: 40 kg
  • Generous baggage for a budget carrier
  • Connects via Istanbul with many daily flights
  • Hand luggage: 8 kg
  • Often the lowest economy fares on this route
Important: Baggage allowances shown are for standard economy fares. Budget or promotional fares on the same airline may have lower limits. Always confirm your exact allowance at time of booking. Call +44 20 7550 8212 for advice.

Visa & Entry Requirements for UK to India

Entry requirements differ depending on whether you’re visiting as a tourist, on business or for family — check your category below

Tourist & Family Visit (Indian e-Visa)

  • UK citizens require an Indian e-Visa before departure — apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in
  • Tourist e-Visa is typically processed within 72 hours; business e-Visa within 3–5 days
  • Allows stays of up to 90 days per visit; double or multiple-entry options available
  • Valid for 1 year from date of issue; no embassy visit required
  • Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of arrival in India
  • Always verify current requirements at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india before booking

Business, Medical & Long-Stay Visas

  • Business e-Visa (eBusiness) allows stays of up to 180 days for UK business travellers
  • Medical e-Visa available for those travelling to India for medical treatment
  • Long-stay visas (6 months to 5 years) require a full application via the Indian High Commission in London
  • Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card holders do not require a separate visa
  • UK nationals of Indian origin holding OCI cards enjoy most rights of Indian citizens

Entry requirements can change. Always verify the latest visa and entry rules on the official Indian Government visa website (indianvisaonline.gov.in) and the UK Government travel advice page (gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india) before booking. TripNext does not provide visa advice — the information above is for general guidance only.

Best Time to Book Flights to India

Maximise your savings with our expert timing recommendations for UK to India flights

Best Value

Low Season

Jan – Mar · Jul – Sep

Save up to 35%
High Demand

Peak Season

Oct – Nov (Diwali) · Dec – Jan (Christmas)

Book 3–4 months ahead

Optimal Booking Window

Book 8–12 weeks before departure for best rates on UK–India routes

Cheapest Days to Fly

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Mid-week departures save up to 20% compared to weekends

Popular Flight Deals from the UK to India

Hand-picked fares from major UK airports with trusted global airlines

British AirwaysEconomy

LHR

London

Direct

DEL

Delhi

British Airways

LHR → DEL

from

£299

one-way
Air IndiaEconomy

LHR

London

Direct

BOM

Mumbai

Air India

LHR → BOM

from

£309

one-way
EmiratesEconomy

LHR

London

via DXB

BLR

Bangalore

Emirates

LHR → BLR

from

£319

one-way
Qatar AirwaysEconomy

MAN

Manchester

via DOH

HYD

Hyderabad

Qatar Airways

MAN → HYD

from

£315

one-way
Etihad AirwaysEconomy

BHX

Birmingham

via AUH

DEL

Delhi

Etihad Airways

BHX → DEL

from

£305

one-way
Turkish AirlinesEconomy

LHR

London

via IST

MAA

Chennai

Turkish Airlines

LHR → MAA

from

£289

one-way

More Destinations Across India

India isn’t just one city — explore its incredible diversity of airports and destinations from the UK

Flights to Delhi from UK
Delhi
Capital city, Old Delhi, Qutub Minar, Gateway to the Golden Triangle.
DEL Airport
Flights to Mumbai from UK
Mumbai
Financial capital, Bollywood, Gateway of India, Marine Drive.
BOM Airport
Flights to Bangalore from UK
Bangalore
Silicon Valley of India, tech hub, Lalbagh, MG Road.
BLR Airport
Flights to Chennai from UK
Chennai
Cultural capital of South India, temples, Marina Beach, Carnatic music.
MAA Airport
Flights to Agra from UK
Agra
Home of the Taj Mahal — one of the world’s greatest landmarks.
AGR Airport
Flights to Jaipur from UK
Jaipur
The Pink City — palaces, forts, Hawa Mahal, Rajasthani culture.
JAI Airport
Flights to Goa from UK
Goa
Beaches, seafood, nightlife, Portuguese heritage — India’s favourite beach destination.
GOI Airport
Flights to Kochi from UK
Kochi
Gateway to Kerala — backwaters, spice trade, Chinese fishing nets.
COK Airport

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about flights to India from the UK

Call TripNext on +44 7478 061159, send a WhatsApp message to +44 20 3370 6756, or fill in the booking form on this page. Our India flight specialists will compare all available fares across British Airways, Air India, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad and more to find you the best available price.

For direct flights, British Airways and Air India are the top choices from London Heathrow to Delhi and Mumbai. For connecting flights, Qatar Airways and Emirates are consistently rated highest for service, baggage allowance and on-time performance. For cheapest fares, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul frequently offers the lowest prices.

Yes. British Airways, Air India and Virgin Atlantic operate direct non-stop flights from London Heathrow to Delhi (DEL) taking approximately 8 hours 15–45 minutes. Air India and British Airways also operate direct services to Mumbai (BOM). All other Indian cities require one connecting stop via Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi or Istanbul.

London to Delhi direct takes approximately 8 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 45 minutes. London to Mumbai takes approximately 8 hours 45 minutes to 9 hours 15 minutes. Connecting flights to Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai or Kolkata take 11–14 hours total with one stop.

January, February, March and July to September are the cheapest months. Avoid October to December (Diwali, Christmas, New Year) and UK school half-term weeks for best prices. Mid-week departures on Tuesday or Wednesday save an additional 15–20% compared to weekends.

Yes. UK citizens require an Indian e-Visa before departure. Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Tourist e-Visas are typically processed within 72 hours and allow stays of up to 90 days. OCI (Overseas Citizens of India) card holders do not need a separate visa. Check gov.uk and indianvisaonline.gov.in for the latest requirements before booking.

Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad and Turkish Airlines typically allow 30kg in economy. Air India allows 25kg. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic allow 23kg. Always confirm your specific allowance at booking as it varies by fare type. For families travelling with gifts and clothing, the extra allowances with Emirates or Qatar can be a deciding factor.

Book Diwali flights to India from the UK at least 3–4 months in advance — ideally by July for October/November travel. Fares begin rising significantly from August for Diwali season. Delhi is particularly busy as it is the hub for connections across North India. Call TripNext as early as possible for Diwali season travel.

India Travel Guides & Tips

Expert advice from our India travel specialists — read before you fly

Ready to Book Your Flight to India?

Call, WhatsApp or submit the form — our UK-based India specialists are ready to find you the best fare.