Gone are the days when slots at London’s premier gateway were the reserve of flag carriers. With COVID-19 turning the industry upside down, two bullish airlines from India are seeking to upset the Heathrow establishment, as Tom Batchelor investigates

At a time when most airlines are shrinking fleets, cutting back routes and reconfiguring their operations for a leaner, post-coronavirus world, two Indian carriers have announced they plan to do precisely the opposite
London/Heathrow airport – the UK’s most prestigious hub. Vistara wasted no time and successfully launched its new flagship link that same month, while SpiceJet intends to begin scheduled operations in December.