Air India is adding a 2nd non-stop route from Birmingham Aiport (BHX/EGBB) to compliment its daily service to Delhi.
The new route, which is due to commence early in 2018, is a twice-weekly service to Amritsar in Northern Punjab region making Birmingham the only UK airport to serve the destination non-stop.
The Golden Temple, the Holiest Gurdwara in Sikh religion, stands at the centre of the ancient walled city making it a popular destination for pilgrimage and tourists.
Air India has great success since launching flights from the Midlands hub in August 2013, the daily Delhi service has carried almost 500,000 passengers in the four years it has operated.
Pankaj Srivastava, Director and Board Member of Air India said: “We are delighted that we are able to announce that we are planning to commence non-stop services between Birmingham and Amritsar twice a week, starting early 2018, recognising the consumer demand from the Midlands’ region to Amritsar, Punjab. Air India is always very sensitive to the needs of the consumer and is pleased to be connecting the two cities thereby adding a new city pairing for Air India’s expanding global network with the only non-stop UK Amritsar service.”
Birmingham Airport Aviation Director, William Pearson added: “It is great news that we will have non-stop connections to two Indian cities. With over 200,000 British-Indian people who travel to India to visit friends and relatives, and for tourism and business interests, this additional destination shows the large demand within the region for non-stop Amritsar services from the Midlands. Air India has been a successful partner for over four years and offers great connections to India with services operated by the new Boeing 787-8 ‘Dreamliner’ aircraft.”
West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street said: “One of the most common issues raised when I talk to the Sikh community in our region is that they and their families are unable to fly direct to Amritsar.
“Ever since, we’ve been working with Air India and Birmingham Airport to explore whether we could introduce this direct service for the 135,000 Sikhs living in the West Midlands.
“I am delighted this will start early next year – I know it will be well received news and a well-used service.”
