IAG Cargo boosts India network to 70 weekly UK flights

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), will launch a third daily service between London Heathrow (LHR) and Delhi (DEL) from September 19, 2026, expanding its UK-India network to 70 weekly flights during the winter schedule.

The year-round service will be operated by British Airways using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and is intended to meet growing demand for air cargo between India, the UK and international markets.

With the additional Delhi service, IAG Cargo will operate three daily services to both Delhi and Mumbai, alongside increased frequencies to Bengaluru. The expansion raises the carrier's London Heathrow-India capacity from 56 weekly services in 2025 to 70 weekly services.

According to IAG Cargo, demand on the Delhi route has continued to strengthen, with outbound cargo volumes rising 12.6% and inbound volumes increasing 14.4% between January and May 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.

The carrier said the expanded network comes as the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, which entered into force on July 15, 2026, is expected to support higher trade volumes between the two countries.

"The introduction of a third daily London Heathrow-Delhi service, alongside recent capacity increases across our India network, provides customers with greater capacity and stronger connections through London Heathrow," said Camilo Garcia Cervera, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at IAG Cargo.

The expanded schedule will also provide onward connectivity through London Heathrow to destinations across Europe, North America, Latin America and the Middle East.

IAG Cargo said India's export market continues to generate demand across a wide range of commodities, including pharmaceuticals, aerospace components, automotive parts, e-commerce shipments, garments and seasonal perishables.

According to WorldACD data cited by the carrier, total Indian export volumes increased 5% between January and May 2026 compared with the corresponding period last year. The additional capacity is expected to support exporters and importers seeking improved connectivity between India, the UK and global markets following the implementation of the bilateral trade agreement.

The article was originally published on The STAT Trade Times.