Balle! Balle! Fly London to Amritsar direct
Bmi is the first airline to serve Punjabis in two continents with a direct connection
The Golden Temple in Amritsar, a center of devotion for Sikh pilgrims from around the world.British Midland International (bmi), a subsidiary of Lufthansa, is the first airline to launch a gateway to India between London and Amritsar, with a quick stopover at Almaty in Kazakhstan.
The first flight took off on October 15 from London, landing in Amritsar in the early hours.
Flights will depart three times weekly, on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, from London's Heathrow airport to Amritsar's Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee international airport.
Passengers will be served samosas and chaat en route, with a side of Bollywood movies.
“We are excited to enter the Indian market via the holy city of Amritsar," said Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, CEO, bmi. "Our new connection to London offers convenience and value to U.K.-bound travellers from Punjab and will strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two regions."
The airline has also partnered with Air India, which will be handling passengers once they've reached Indian home ground.
Economy return fares start at Rs 38,848 (US$790), including taxes. Business class return fares start at Rs 94,000 (US$1,900), including taxes and chaffeur service both ways.
The trip takes 11 hours, 35 minutes, including the 45-minute stopover at Almaty in Kazakhstan.
