London-Amritsar direct flight from early next year: Dhesi
CHANDIGARH: New direct flights are expected to commence between Amritsar and London early next year following a significant ongoing discussion between London Luton Airport and a number of major Indian carriers, said Sikh MP from Slough, UK, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi.
Dhesi, Britain’s first turbaned Sikh MP, quoted chief commercial officer of Luton Airport Jonathan Pollard as saying: “We are receiving significant interest from Indian carriers and remain very excited by the prospect of developing new services for the Indian market.
With a significant catchment of Indian diaspora living nearby, there is a fantastic opportunity to provide low-cost, direct services between London and Amritsar, making it easier for people to visit families, or explore great sights that these cities have to offer.”
Hywel Rees, principal for AMP Capital, a major shareholder of Luton Airport, has commented: “With an extensive transformation programme now completed at the airport, we look forward to welcoming new services from the Indian market, helping the local and surrounding communities fly direct to the destinations they’d like to, rather than having to connect through busy congested hubs.”
He said that London is a global capital, while Amritsar is a global, spiritual and tourist destination visited by millions each year.
“Hence, it’s crucial that the two are connected once again and I’m sure these direct flights will be a great success,” he said.