In 2024, India welcomed nearly 18.9 million international visitors, surpassing its pre-pandemic record and cementing its position as one of the fastest-growing travel markets in the world. The UK continues to be among the top sources of visitors to India. With new flight routes, upgraded airports, and easier visa systems, India is no longer just a destination. It is becoming a strategic travel hub for UK travellers heading to Asia, the Middle East, or Oceania.
Trade, education, and travel have long connected the UK and India. Now those connections are growing stronger as India positions itself as a bridge between continents and cultures.
How Well Connected Is India from the UK
You can now fly directly from London, Manchester, and Birmingham to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad. Air India has expanded its UK network with more direct services, while British Airways plans to add another daily flight between London and Delhi in 2026. This growing network means you have more choices, shorter layovers, and competitive fares.
Because India sits between the West and the East, it is perfectly placed for onward flights. You can connect easily from Delhi or Mumbai to Bangkok, Singapore, Bali, or even Sydney without long detours or extended transit times.
Why Routing Through India Makes Smart Travel Sense
Better Cost and Smarter Routes
Flying through India can often save money compared to routes through Dubai or Doha. Carriers like Air India, Vistara, and IndiGo offer excellent onward connections from Indian hubs to Southeast Asia and the Pacific. You could fly from Manchester to Mumbai, spend a few days exploring, and then continue to Sri Lanka or Malaysia without paying inflated fares.
Airports Evolving into World-Class Hubs
Indian airports are rapidly transforming into global standards of comfort and technology. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport handled more than 79 million passengers in 2024-25, making it one of the busiest in Asia. Bengaluru’s Terminal 2 offers a unique garden-style design, digital boarding, and eco-friendly infrastructure. Cochin (Kochi) Airport now connects to more than 30 international destinations.
Every major Indian airport is improving its lounges, connectivity, and services, turning your layover into a comfortable and enjoyable part of your journey.
Multi-City Travel Made Easy
India makes it simple to plan a multi-city trip. You can fly into Delhi, spend a few days exploring the Taj Mahal or Jaipur, then head south from Mumbai or Bengaluru to your next international destination. Your trip becomes richer, more flexible, and more meaningful.
Add Culture, Emotion, and Meaning to Your Journey
Culture in Every Layover
Unlike traditional transit hubs, India gives you a chance to experience its culture even on a short stay. From temple visits and heritage walks to food tours and yoga retreats, every region offers something unique. Even a short stopover can become a memory worth keeping.
Personal and Emotional Ties
For many in the UK–India community, flights between the two countries carry more than passengers. They carry emotions, family stories, and connections. Weddings, reunions, and family visits fill these routes year-round. For others, it is the warmth of Indian hospitality that makes the experience memorable. Whether you stay for a few hours or a few days, you will feel welcomed.
Business, Innovation, and Academic Travel
India’s role as a business and innovation hub is expanding quickly. The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (2025) is set to boost travel for both trade and investment. Universities such as Imperial College London have launched new “Global Hubs” in India to strengthen research and academic partnerships.
If you travel for business, India gives you a practical advantage. You can attend a conference in Bengaluru or Hyderabad, meet industry partners, and then continue your journey to other Asian markets.
What You Should Know Before You Use India as Your Hub
Visa and Entry Requirements
For UK travellers, India offers an e-visa and a simple tourist visa system. This makes it easy to spend a short stay or even just transit through major cities. Always check the latest requirements on the official Indian visa website before planning your trip.
Best Time to Visit
- North India (Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan): Best from October to March
- South India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa): Ideal from November to February
- Hill Stations (Shimla, Manali, Darjeeling): Best from April to June
Avoid the peak monsoon months unless you are looking for off-season prices and fewer crowds.
Health, Safety, and Preparation
Carry travel insurance and check vaccination requirements before you travel. Stick to bottled water and reputable restaurants. If you have long layovers, use airport lounges or nearby hotels with good security and reviews.
Tips for Planning Your Itinerary
- Choose airports with strong onward connections such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, or Hyderabad.
- Try a 24 to 48-hour stopover instead of a short layover to enjoy your trip more.
- Compare UK–India–Asia multi-city tickets for better prices.
- If you have Indian roots, combine family visits with onward travel.
- Explore lesser-known regions such as Hampi, Udaipur, or Amritsar if time allows.
India’s Growing Role in Global Travel
- India welcomed 18.9 million international tourists in 2024, exceeding 2019 levels.
- India ranked first in the 2025 GlobalData Tourism Potential Index for its culture, infrastructure, and sustainable tourism focus.
- IndiGo placed an order for 30 Airbus A350-900 wide-body aircraft, showing its long-haul ambitions.
- Manchester alone is set to have nine direct flights to Indian cities, improving regional connectivity for UK travellers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to fly via India than Dubai or Singapore?
In many cases, yes. As airlines increase direct UK–India services, competition drives prices lower, especially for connecting routes.
Will I lose time by stopping over in India?
Not necessarily. India’s central location often means shorter onward hops, plus you gain the chance to explore a new destination.
Is India safe and comfortable for short stays?
Yes. Major airports and cities are equipped for transit travellers. Choose reliable hotels and allow enough time for transfers.
Can non-Indian travellers benefit from India as a hub?
Definitely. India’s hub advantage lies in its connectivity, affordability, and diversity of experiences.
Choosing India as your travel hub means choosing more than convenience. You gain flexibility, affordability, and a deeper cultural experience. For UK travellers, especially those with Indian connections, India offers a rare mix of practicality and emotion.
So next time you plan your flight, think beyond the usual hubs. Let India be your starting point to explore more of the world.