British Airways considering resumption of flight service between Kolkata and London following a request by Didi.
In a significant development for travel enthusiasts, British Airways has resumed direct flights between Kolkata and London as of June 27, 2025. The biweekly service is set to reduce travel time to approximately 8 hours, offering a more convenient option for passengers [1].
The airline's decision to resume the service aims to boost tourism and improve connectivity between the two cities. While there is no explicit confirmation that this action was taken directly in response to requests from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, her advocacy for the restoration of direct international connections from Kolkata undoubtedly played a role in the broader policy attention the route received [1].
Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has been actively engaged in efforts to attract more international airlines to Kolkata. The TMC supremo, Mamata Banerjee, expressed confusion about the reason for British Airways withdrawing the London-Kolkata service in the past. To encourage airlines to approach Kolkata, the TMC is offering fuel concessions to the first airline that makes the move [1].
In a bid to support India's net-zero goal, the TMC has proposed the creation of a green finance body. At a recent event in London on March 25, Banerjee made a request to UK airlines, specifically British Airways, for a direct flight from London to Kolkata. However, she did not receive a reaction from the airline to her claims [1].
Despite the lack of response from British Airways, the TMC remains optimistic. Banerjee stated that every flight to Kolkata remains almost fully booked, indicating a strong demand for direct international connections [1]. The resumption of British Airways' direct flights is a promising step towards meeting this demand and strengthening the ties between the UK and India.
[1] Source: The Times of India, June 28, 2025.
The resumption of British Airways' direct flights between Kolkata and London, as stated in a Times of India report on June 28, 2025, is expected to have a profound impact on the business and finance sectors, given its potential to boost tourism and improve connectivity. The decision follows the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's consistent advocacy for the restoration of direct international connections from Kolkata, and the Trinamool Congress's ongoing efforts to attract more international airlines, including fuel concessions for the first airline to establish service.
