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British Airways Announces More Delhi Flights
British Airways plans to introduce a third daily flight between Heathrow and Delhi in 2026, subject to regulatory and slot approval. There are already 56 direct BA flights covering five destinations, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai – 1.5 million seats every year!
We will keep you updated once the schedule is released, so you can get in there quickly if you’re planning to book a redemption flight!
The increase in flights will support better trade links between the UK and India following the signing of a Free Trade Agreement in July between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi. 125 UK business leaders and ministers recently flew on a chartered BA flight as part of this trade mission!
Keir Starmer commented:
“British Airways has been connecting the United Kingdom with India for more than a century – a symbol of the enduring partnership, and deep cultural and economic ties between our two nations. As our landmark trade deal paves the way for new opportunities for businesses, our national flag carrier will play a critical role in strengthening trade links with India, boosting UK growth and helping deliver on our Plan for Change.”
Alongside more flights, BA will bring its First cabin back on London to Mumbai flights this month. These flights will also have the latest Business Class Club Suite, which will also be on select flights on all five India routes by the end of 2026.
Air India Will Also Increase Delhi Flights + Other UK-India Routes
Air India is making the most of the increased demand for UK-India flights. They are the largest operator of flights between India and the UK with 1.7 million seats per year – just ahead of BA. A fourth flight between Delhi and Heathrow will begin on 26th October, bringing flights from 24 per week to 28 per week. Flights will be operated by Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
There are also a few other minor changes, such as Bengaluru–Heathrow returning to a daily service (previously three per week) and Amritsar–Gatwick being reinstated with three weekly flights. The Ahmedabad route will once again operate from Gatwick instead of Heathrow, three times weekly, and the Delhi–Birmingham route will also be restored to operate three times per week.
Demand for premium cabins between London and Delhi has outstripped supply for years, so it’s good to see more capacity finally on the way.
The Flying Blue-ITA Partnership is Ending
ITA has already left the SkyTeam alliance, but the process of phasing out partnerships with SkyTeam airlines is ongoing. The next to go is the Flying Blue partnership, which will officially end on 15th November 2025.
From 15th November, you will no longer be able to:
- Earn Miles or XP on flights marketed and operated by ITA.
- Redeem Flying Blue Miles on ITA Airways flights for dates beyond 15th November 2025. If you were planning to redeem miles, make sure tickets are issued by 15th November.
- Make changes to existing reward bookings. Tickets must be issued and rebooked by 15th November if you need to make any changes.
- Have elite benefits granted via your Flying Blue status when flying ITA.
Until 15th November 2025, all partnership benefits will remain in place.
Earlier this year, we also saw the ITA and Virgin Atlantic partnership come to an end. As of 15th November 2025, partnerships with Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Europa and Middle East Airlines will also finish. Despite many partnerships ending, ITA will have new relationships with Star Alliance airlines as it becomes part of the Lufthansa Group.
Lufthansa has just launched a fantastic free status match for ITA Volare status holders with no flights required. You can apply via statusmatch.com until 28th February 2027. As Lufthansa is part of the Star Alliance, you’ll enjoy alliance-wide benefits. You can apply here.
ITA is expected to become a full member of Star Alliance in the first half of 2026. You can learn more about alliances in our airline alliance guide.
Marriott’s New ‘Celebrate 2025’ Promotion: Up to 12,075 Bonus Points
Marriott has just launched another global promotion – ‘Celebrate 2025 with 2,025 bonus points’.
From 28th October 2025 to 10th January 2026, you can earn 2,025 bonus points per stay on up to three stays, plus an extra 2,000 bonus points per stay when booking through the new Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors platform.
This is an offer that’s well worth signing up for, even if you don’t currently have a Marriott stay planned. You could earn up to 12,075 points if you book three stays via the new Outdoors platform. Even if you don’t book via Marriott Outdoors, you could still earn 2,025 bonus points for your next 3 Marriott stays (6,075).
With Marriott points being worth an average of 0.5p, one night earning 2,025 bonus points is worth an average of £10.13, or £20.13 if you also book via Marriott Outdoors (4,025 points). If you earn the maximum bonus of 12,075 points, this would be worth, on average, £60.38, which can really add up.
Off-peak Marriott hotel redemptions start at 5,000-10,000 points per night and can go upwards of 152,000 points. You can also convert Marriott Bonvoy Points to Avios at a rate of 3:1.
Registration is now open on the Marriott website and will remain open until 27th December. Register here.
The Marriott Outdoor Collection
Marriott Outdoors brings together 400+ hotels, 50,000+ Homes & Villas and a growing collection of tours and activities, all focusing on seven outdoor activities, which include skiing, camping, hiking, cycling, paddle sports, fishing, diving and surfing. You can search and book trips around your chosen activity and still earn points and night credits as usual.
Things to Note About the Offer:
- Bonus points only apply to paid rates
- Only one room per stay counts
- Regular stay points typically post within 10 business days after check-out; promo bonuses often follow a few days later. However, for Homes & Villas and Outdoors bonuses, allow up to 6 weeks.
- A stay = consecutive nights at the same property, no matter how many check-ins you have.
- If your profile is set to earn miles, you won’t get the bonus. My profile is set to miles, and I got the message – “You’re trying to access a miles promotion and are a points-earner, or vice versa. If this is the case, you can easily change your earning preferences.”
- The following are not included: BVLGARI, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Marriott Executive Apartments, and owner-occupied Vacation Club/Residence Club weeks.
