Air india plans to operate two direct flights to Amritsar per week from Birmingham Airport. Air India, already currently operates the popular daily flight service to Delhi.
The new route to the home of the Golden Temple will be offered twice a week from Birmingham airport.
Air India has had a successful relationship with Birmingham airport since launching back in 2013, giving passengers the much needed direct flight to Delhi.
Over the past four years the service operated by Air india has carried almost 500,000 passengers.
William Pearson, aviation director at Birmingham Airport, said: “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.”
Mr Pankaj Srivastava, director – commercial 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.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, 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.”
Preet Gill MP said: “I am delighted at today’s announcement of direct flights to Amritsar. I would like to thank both Birmingham Airport and Air India for bringing these non-stop flight to Amritsar to the region.
“Sandwell is twinned with Amritsar, and in my capacity as local councillor I campaigned for these non-stop flights. This is wonderful news for the West Midlands, not just for the punjabi community, but for business too.”
The Boeing 787-8 series aircraft has 256 seats in a split cabin, consisting of 18 business class and 238 economy seats.
Pictured above: William Pearson and Mr Pankaj Srivastava
