London Gatwick Airport Wants Air India to Triple Operations

When it comes to London operations, Heathrow has always remained the first choice for Full Service Carriers. However, due to limited slot availability at Heathrow, Air India has adopted a strategy of operating flights to two airports in London. Before the pandemic, the airline started flights connecting Amritsar and Mumbai to London Stansted Airport. During the pandemic, all the international services were suspended.

During this period, Air India was privatized with TATA Group taking control. In March 2023, the airline restarted operations at two airports in London, but this time, there was a difference. Instead of Stansted, the airline launched flights from London Gatwick Airport.

Now, Air India is connecting London Gatwick to 4 Indian cities. From August 18, it will launch flights connecting Bengaluru to Gatwick. In an interview with the Indian Express, the Chief Commercial Officer of London Gatwick talks about the entry and potential expansions into the Indian market.

Gatwick Wants Air India to Triple Operations

When asked whether Air India will increase its flight frequency on current routes, Gatwick CCO Jonathan Pollard said that the airport is aiming for Air India to triple its operations. At present, Gatwick is connected to Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Kochi, and North Goa. All these flights are operated thrice weekly. The new Bengaluru service from August 18 will be operated five times a week.

Pollard said that there is a common problem with many airlines across the world. It is the shortage of aircraft. Many airlines have huge ambitions, but not the product to fulfill their goals. He added that even the Air India CEO agreed with the aircraft shortage point.

Air India is very satisfied with their current flight operations from Gatwick Airport. Both sides share the same thoughts, that there is a lot of untapped potential. In the coming time, we may see enhanced frequencies in some sectors. The airline can use larger aircraft for Gatwick operations. Hopefully, more cities will be connected to Gatwick in the future.

Discussions With Other Carriers

CCO Jonathan Pollard mentioned that the airport operator has been in discussions with IndiGo for many years. The authorities are open to conversations with any airline with the potential to connect India and the UK. Other than IndiGo, they also held discussions with SpiceJet. The airport is prioritizing growth and demand in the market over the identity of the airlines that might operate.

For Gatwick Airport, the Indian market is among the top three markets because of its robust growth potential. Airlines like Air India and IndiGo have huge aircraft on order, which highlights the immense market potential of India.

Within the next 10 years, the market between India and Gatwick will increase by three times. Two years ago, Gatwick had zero Indian flights, but now India makes up 5% of the airport’s long-haul network.

50% Cheaper Than Heathrow

When asked what is the advantage of airlines flying to Gatwick instead of Heathrow, Pollard replied that there is a significant advantage. In terms of airport costs, Gatwick is 50% cheaper than Heathrow. Heathrow offers airlines with a single fixed tariff, which means that all airlines are expected to pay the same charges.

But at Gatwick, the airport tariffs can be customized as separate contracts are signed with airlines. In this way, the airport can provide airlines with better incentives. Having lower costs is the best way to attract airlines.

In addition to lower costs, Gatwick is well-connected to major points in London. It has a better rail connection to these points. When you look at Stansted Airport, it is referred to as an airport for short-haul European LCCs, but Gatwick has extensive long-haul traffic.

Two Runway Operations at Gatwick?

London Gatwick has two runways, but because of being in close proximity, one runway is currently not in use. At present, Gatwick is the busiest airport with a single runway. With some changes in the runway alignment, the airport can handle traffic on both runways. In early 2025, the decision will be finalized. If the airport is allowed to operationalize both runways after some runway alignment changes, it will be offering more slots and capacity from 2029.

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are two Heathrow-based carriers operating between India and the UK. When asked whether UK carriers will operate from Gatwick, Pollard said that there is a possibility that this can happen.

The market is big enough for both Indian and British carriers. Trade exchange between both countries is growing and there is a huge Indian diaspora living in the United Kingdom.

Similar to London, two more Indian cities will get twin airport operations by the end of this financial year. Alongside IGI and CSMIA, both Delhi and Mumbai will receive the Noida and Navi Mumbai Airport respectively. Pollard said that based on his experience in the London market, the general view is that having separate ownership and operation of each airport would result in positive outcomes.

Conclusion: Gatwick and Expansion of Air India

From zero flights in 2022 to 12 weekly flights in 2024, London Gatwick Airport has taken a huge leap in the Indian market. CCO Jonathan Pollard wants Air India to triple its Gatwick operations. It has been in discussions with airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet. In the next decade, he expects the Indian market to be three times the current size. Gatwick provides airlines with more cheaper incentives than Heathrow.

What do you think about the comments of Gatwick CCO Jonathan Pollard? Discuss in the comment section.