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Flight route guide · DEL → LHR

Delhi to London flights

Delhi to London non-stop flights take about 9h 30m–10h 45m on Air India, British Airways or Virgin Atlantic. Fares from ₹32,000, Heathrow transfers and visa.

Fact-checked 2 min readBy the Elitech Travels editorial desk
Non-stop · 9h 30m–10h 45mOne-way from ₹32,000
Diliff · CC BY-SA 3.0

Quick answer

Delhi to London is a non-stop flight of about 9 hours 30 minutes to 10 hours 45 minutes over roughly 6,730 km. Air India, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly daily to Heathrow. One-way economy fares start around ₹32,000 booked 3–6 weeks ahead outside summer and Christmas. Indian passport holders need a UK Standard Visitor visa, applied for online.

Route facts

Flight time
9h 30m–10h 45m
Distance
≈ 6,730 km
Starting fare
₹32,000 one-way
Airlines
Air India, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic
Cheapest months
Jan–Mar and Nov
Entry
UK Standard Visitor visa required — apply online and give biometrics at a VFS centre; allow at least 3–4 weeks.

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR). Fares are typical starting one-way economy prices booked 3–6 weeks ahead outside peak dates — live prices vary by the hour.

Which airlines fly Delhi to London non-stop?

Air India, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic all fly daily from Terminal 3 at Delhi to London Heathrow, several times a day between them. At Heathrow, Air India uses Terminal 2, British Airways mostly Terminal 5 and Virgin Atlantic Terminal 3 — useful to know for pick-ups.

Indian airlines have been routing around Pakistani airspace since 2025, which can add 30–60 minutes to Air India's flights compared with British Airways and Virgin.

What are the best flight timings?

India is 4 hours 30 minutes ahead of the UK in British summer time and 5 hours 30 minutes ahead in winter. Morning and early-afternoon departures from Delhi land the same afternoon or evening, which is easiest on body clocks. Overnight departures land in the early morning — fine for business travellers, harder for families.

Baggage on full-service fares

All three are full-service airlines with meals included. Standard economy usually includes at least one 23 kg bag, but the cheapest "light" fares on some airlines exclude checked baggage. Compare like for like before choosing the lowest fare.

Getting from Heathrow to central London

  • Elizabeth line: about 35–45 minutes to central London for around £13 (₹1,600)
  • Piccadilly line: about 50–60 minutes for around £5.60 (₹650)
  • Heathrow Express: 15 minutes to Paddington, about £25 (₹2,900) unless booked early
  • Black cab: £70–110 (₹8,200–12,900)

When to book, and connecting options

Book 6–10 weeks ahead for June–August and Christmas, when students and holidaymakers fill flights. January–March and November are usually cheapest. One-stop flights via Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi or Istanbul add 4–7 hours but can save money.

Tips for families and seniors

  • Apply for visas early; summer appointment slots fill quickly.
  • Request wheelchair assistance at booking — Heathrow walks are long.
  • Book a daytime flight with young children, and order vegetarian or Jain meals at least 24 hours ahead.

See our UK visa guide, UK trip cost, things to do in the UK and more flight routes.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the flight from Delhi to London?
A non-stop flight from Delhi to London Heathrow takes about 9 hours 30 minutes to 10 hours 45 minutes. Air India's flights can take longer because Indian airlines route around Pakistani airspace. The return to Delhi is usually about 8 hours 30 minutes to 9 hours 30 minutes.
Which airlines fly non-stop from Delhi to London?
Air India, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly non-stop between Delhi and London Heathrow, with several departures a day between them. All three are full-service airlines with meals included. Air India uses Heathrow Terminal 2, British Airways mostly Terminal 5 and Virgin Atlantic Terminal 3.
Do Indians need a visa for the UK?
Yes. Indian passport holders need a UK Standard Visitor visa, applied for online with biometrics given at a VFS centre. Standard processing usually takes about three weeks, longer in peak season. Priority services are available for an extra fee.
What is the cheapest way from Heathrow to central London?
The Piccadilly line on the London Underground is cheapest, at around £5.60 (about ₹650), taking 50–60 minutes. The Elizabeth line is faster at 35–45 minutes for around £13. Both accept contactless cards, so you do not need to buy tickets.
When are Delhi to London flights cheapest?
Fares are usually lowest from January to March, excluding half-term holidays, and in November. They peak in June–August, when Indian students and summer travellers fly, and over Christmas. One-way fares start around ₹32,000 when booked 3–6 weeks ahead.

How we checked this page

Last reviewed

Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.