British Airways Starts New Helpdesk For Indian Students Travelling To UK

British Airways has rolled out a new 'Student Travel Assistance' programme for students flying from five Indian airports to London Heathrow this summer. The initiative began on August 29, 2025, and will continue until the end of October at Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai airports. The service includes a dedicated check-in desk, wayfinding support at the airport, and transfer guidance on arrival at Heathrow Terminal 5. For many, travelling to the UK for studies may be their first overseas trip. The airline said the initiative is aimed at making the journey easier and more reassuring.

"We hope this makes them feel at ease from the moment they arrive to when they land in their destination, and we look forward to welcoming them on board," Helen O'Connor, British Airways' Regional General Manager, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific Airport, said in a statement.

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The 'Student Assistance Helpdesk' is voluntary and open to all British Airways student passengers travelling from India to the UK. To access the service, students can identify themselves at the British Airways check-in counter. Signage at the airport will direct them to the helpdesk.

Earlier this year, British Airways introduced another initiative for Indian passengers, the 'Meet and Assist' service. It offers in-person support in local Indian languages for customers who may need extra help navigating the airport.

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Indian student mobility abroad has grown steadily over the past decade. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, more than 1.33 million Indian students were pursuing higher education overseas as of January 2024. The UK continues to be a preferred destination for Indian students because of its academic strength and cultural ties. British Airways currently operates 56 flights a week from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai.