Monday, June 20 2005 21:52 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: Air India will operate more direct flights to London from other Indian cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad in the coming days, officials said today (Jun 20, 2005), after the launch of a direct Kolkata-London flight.

The new flight has been introduced in view of demand from local Indian community here, Air India Public Relations Director Jitendra Bhargava told Indian reporters in London.

"We have succeeded in negotiating and getting more slots with the UK authorities at the Heathrow International Airport here which has paved the way for launching this new flight," said Regional Director for Air India in UK and Europe, Capt Ashwin Sharma.

More Indian cities like Cochin may be connected with London later on depending on the availability of aircraft, Bhargava said.

The Kolkata-London flight, launched two days ago, is not only convenient for passengers from North-East Indian states but also travellers from Bangladesh, he said, although there is no change in fare for Dhaka-London sector which is on par with Kolkata-London, he said.

The Kolkata-London flight is part of Air India's broad policy decision to operate international flights from various cities in the country instead of only Delhi and Mumbai, the traditional gateways for London flights.

This will help make travel more comfortable, hassle-free and reduce elapsed travel time, Bhargawa said adding long-hauled aircraft have been pressed into service in this sector.