Daijiworld Media Network – London

London, Aug 31: British Airways has announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind ‘Student Travel Assistance’ service for Indian students travelling to London Heathrow from five Indian cities this summer. The service, designed to ease journeys for students beginning their academic sessions in the UK, will remain available until the end of October 2025.

The initiative covers students flying from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai, where the airline currently operates 56 weekly flights. It offers benefits such as a dedicated check-in desk at departure airports, wayfinding support through terminals, and guidance for transfers on arrival at Heathrow Terminal 5.

Helen O’Connor, Regional General Manager, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific Airport at British Airways, said, “We are proud to fly thousands of students around the world, ready for them to embark on their next adventure. For some, this is the first time they are travelling overseas. Our teams across both sides of the globe have worked incredibly hard to introduce our first-ever ‘Student Travel Assistance’ service, offering dedicated support to make every journey as seamless and reassuring as possible.”

The airline highlighted that the launch comes at a time of rising international student mobility from India. Data from India’s Ministry of External Affairs shows that as of January 2024, more than 1.33 million Indian students were enrolled in higher education abroad, with the UK remaining a top choice due to its strong academic and cultural ties.

Earlier this year, British Airways also introduced a ‘Meet and Assist’ service for Indian travellers requiring additional airport support, including assistance in local languages. The airline said the new student-specific initiative is part of its broader investment strategy in airport facilities, digital tools, and onboard services.