British Airways is to increase its flights to India from October 2005. This follows the signing of a new air services agreement between the UK and Indian governments on 13 April 2005, which allows more flights to operate between the two countries.

From October 2005, the airline will:

• Double flights between London Heathrow and Mumbai from one to two each day.

• Start a new five per week service between London Heathrow and Bangalore, as opposed to the new three per week service previously planned.

• Increase services between London Heathrow and Chennai from two to six per week.

From March 2006, the airline will:

• Double flights between London Heathrow and Delhi from one to two each day.

• Increase flights between London Heathrow and Bangalore from five per week to a daily service.

• Increase flights between London Heathrow and Chennai from six per week to a daily service.

In addition, following approval from the Chinese authorities, the airline can confirm that its services to Shanghai in China will start on Wednesday, 1 June 2005.

There will be five flights per week to Shanghai Pudong airport on a Boeing 777 aircraft.

“The liberalisation of air services between the UK and India is great news for consumers as previous restrictions have prevented us from increasing flights between the two countries.

“British Airways has flown to India for 75 years and is well established in the market. There is a huge demand for extra services and we are delighted that we are now able to satisfy that demand.

“Along with India, China has one of the fastest growing economies in the world. We are pleased to confirm that we will fly to Shanghai from 1 June and look forward to serving this fast growing and vibrant city,” said Robert Boyle, British Airways’ director of commercial planning.