UK-India cultural ties fuel Heathrow passenger growth

A growth in flights to India is helping Heathrow achieve its busiest year ever in 2024 – with Delhi and Mumbai now rising to sixth and eighth most popular destinations of the year so far.

Back Heathrow, the West London based campaign which represents over 100,000 residents living close to Heathrow Airport, hails the recent news as a sign that the UK’s cultural ties with India are stronger and more prosperous than ever.

Gurdas Singh Sidhu, Vice President of Hounslow’s Retired Members Association and former Heathrow security guard said:

“I first arrived in this country from India at Heathrow 60 years ago and later spent 10 years working there as a security guard. Many of the other Asian members of the Retired Members Association have similar backgrounds to mine. So, it’s wonderful to see Heathrow’s cultural links with India continue to flourish and grow over the years. It makes us proud.”

Parmjit Dhanda, Executive Director of Back Heathrow said:

“Literally tens of thousands of men and women came from the Indian subcontinent to work at Heathrow airport, decades ago. They made the airport better. Now we’re seeing more travel between Heathrow, Mumbai and Delhi than ever before. It’s good for trade, for family ties and a great example of the benefits of having a multicultural community on Heathrow’s doorstep.”

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Notes to editor:

  • Picture enclosed – Heathrow’s local multi-cultural community demonstrated at the Back Heathrow Summer Party last year, held at the Indian Gymkhana Club in Hounslow
  • For more information on Heathrow’s latest passenger numbers, please consult their latest press release “Strong April performance keeps Heathrow on-track for busiest year ever