The UK flag carrier currently operates 56 flights a week to five Indian cities – Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai – but the airline looks to capitalise on closer trade and business ties between the two countries.

Chief executive Sean Doyle said: "India is not just another market. It is one of the fastest-growing major economies, the world’s most populous democracy and a tech and innovation hub."

The BA boss is travelling with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to Bangalore and Mumbai this week to meet Indian government representatives and business leaders following a free trade deal signed in July by the Labour leader and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Writing in The Sunday Times, Doyle said the new deal would "expand our flying network in the country" and highlighted India’s growing importance to British Airways’ long-term plans.

He said: "Few international relationships hold as much promise for the future as the one between the United Kingdom and India. Forging stronger links with India is not only logical — it’s essential. We have ambition to expand our flying network in the country. There are many other cities that could benefit from our presence, given the unique position we hold in offering daily direct services with seamless onward connections across Europe, North America and beyond."

Doyle said British Airways aimed to play a key role in supporting UK-India trade.

He added: "Every day, our aircraft carry not just passengers, but high-value cargo: from life-saving pharmaceuticals and specialist machinery to fashion, fresh produce, and cutting-edge electronic."

The executive also noted that investment through the airline’s parent company, International Airlines Group, was helping deliver a new fleet of quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft tailored for Indian travellers.