UK's flagship, British Airways today commenced operation to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Hyderabad.

The new route provides a direct flight from Hyderabad to London Heathrow Terminal 5 and offers convenient connections to 22 destinations in North Amercia.

British Airways will operate five weekly non-stop flights between Hyderabad and London and are they only airline to offer direct flights between the two cities.

British Airways offers three long-haul cabins on the Hyderabad route: Club World (business class), World Traveller Plus(premium economy class) and World Traveller (economy class).

The inaugural flight of British Airways to Hyderabad landed at RGIA at 16.40 hours. The inaugural aircraft received a water cannon salute from the fire-fighting 'Pantheres' at the rapid exit way. It docked successfully at Bay No.56 and took off later at 7.30 am.

The passengers and crew of the inaugural flight were accorded a warm welcome by GMR-HIAL officials, GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) Chief Operating Officer, Peter Noyce, Director, Prasanna C and Chief Commercial Officer Viswanath Attaluri were present on the occasion.