• Air India service the only direct link between London and Amritsar
  • New route latest step towards more long-haul services from London Stansted

BOLLYWOOD glamour came to Stansted today as the airport celebrated its first long-haul flight to India.

Surprised passengers were greeted by a dazzling dance troupe ahead of the first Air India flight to Amritsar.

The new three-times a week service is the only direct flight between London and Amritsar and the first ever scheduled service from Stansted to India.

Passengers can fly business or economy class on the 256-seater Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Stansted boss Ken O’Toole said: “We are delighted to welcome Air India to London Stansted for the launch of our first ever scheduled service to India, and the only direct link between any London airport and Amritsar.

Braintree and Witham Times:

  • The specially painted Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner taking off today

"This service is a great addition to our long-haul offer and a clear reflection of the huge demand that exists across north and east London and the East of England for convenient and affordable connections to India.

“We have made clear our ambition is to provide passengers with more choice and opportunities to travel long-haul from London Stansted, including services to India as well as direct flights to the USA and China in particular.

"Delivering this new exciting new service with Air India is another significant step in the right direction in meeting our goal.”

Braintree and Witham Times:

  • Flight crew and dignitaries at today’s celebrations

Amritsar is the site of the famous Golden Temple – a place of pilgrimage for Sikhs.

Today's flight featured a specially painted tribute to mark the 550th anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev ji, the founder of the Sikh religion.