London to Mumbai is one of the UK’s busiest long-haul routes to India, and you can fly it non-stop in around nine hours. This guide covers who flies it direct, where a one-stop connection can save you money, what a fair return fare looks like in pounds, and when to book.
Route: London (LHR) → Mumbai, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (BOM)
Distance: approximately 7,200 km (4,470 miles)
Non-stop flight time: about 9h 00m – 9h 30m eastbound
Direct flights: Yes — British Airways, Air India and Virgin Atlantic all fly non-stop from London Heathrow. One-stop options via the Gulf are often cheaper.
Fares from London to Mumbai (GBP)
Mumbai is a year-round destination, but fares climb around Diwali (October/November), the Christmas and New Year peak, and the busy December–January wedding season. The cheapest fares fall in the monsoon months of June to September. The figures below are typical economy return fares in pounds — the lowest are usually one-stop itineraries through the Gulf, with non-stops sitting toward the higher end.
| Month | Typical return (economy) | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | £480 – £640 | high |
| February | £440 – £580 | medium-high |
| March | £430 – £560 | medium |
| April | £430 – £560 | medium |
| May | £450 – £600 | medium (half-term) |
| June | £400 – £520 | low (monsoon) |
| July | £430 – £580 | medium (school holidays) |
| August | £430 – £580 | medium |
| September | £390 – £510 | low |
| October | £470 – £640 | high (Diwali) |
| November | £470 – £640 | high |
| December | £560 – £780 | very high |
Reference points from our own deal tracking: a genuinely strong return lands around £360–£400, a typical fair price is roughly £470, and anything under about £420 is worth booking quickly. Non-stop returns usually start a little higher than the best one-stop Gulf fares.
Airlines on this route
Non-stop (about 9 hours):
- British Airways — multiple daily non-stops from Heathrow; the traditional legacy choice with strong UK and European connections via Terminal 5.
- Air India — daily non-stop from Heathrow; the Indian flag carrier, with refreshed widebody cabins on the route.
- Virgin Atlantic — daily non-stop from Heathrow; well-regarded service and often competitive premium fares.
One-stop (usually the cheapest, about 12–16 hours total):
- Emirates via Dubai — frequent, strong economy, from several London airports.
- Qatar Airways via Doha — a short first hop and consistently good value.
- Etihad via Abu Dhabi and Turkish Airlines via Istanbul — typically the lowest headline fares to Mumbai.
The Gulf carriers compete hard and often undercut the non-stops by £40–£120. If time matters most, book a non-stop from Heathrow; if price is the priority, a single stop through Dubai, Doha or Istanbul is the sweet spot.
When to book & how to save
- Book 2–4 months ahead for the best balance of price and choice; fares to Mumbai rarely improve in the final weeks.
- Avoid the peaks: Diwali (October/November), Christmas/New Year and the December wedding season are the priciest and busiest.
- Travel in the monsoon (June–September) for the lowest fares — the rain comes in heavy bursts, and the city is far quieter.
- Compare all-in prices including bags: full-service and Gulf carriers usually include 25–30 kg to Mumbai, but the cheapest “light” fares may not.
- Be flexible on the connection: a one-stop via Dubai or Doha is often cheaper than the Heathrow non-stop, especially outside peak weeks.
Arriving in Mumbai
All flights land at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), about 8 km north of the city’s central districts. International arrivals use the modern Terminal 2. The simplest way into town is a prepaid taxi from the official airport counter (roughly £5–£12 to South Mumbai depending on traffic, which can be heavy), or an app-based cab. Allow plenty of time — the drive to Colaba or the Fort district can take well over an hour in rush hour.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from London to Mumbai?
Non-stop flights take about 9 hours to 9 hours 30 minutes eastbound from London to Mumbai, and a little longer on the return against the winds. One-stop itineraries through Dubai, Doha or Istanbul typically take 12 to 16 hours in total, depending on the connection.
Are there direct flights from London to Mumbai?
Yes. British Airways, Air India and Virgin Atlantic all fly non-stop from London Heathrow to Mumbai. If you’d rather save money, one-stop flights with Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad or Turkish Airlines are often cheaper than the non-stops.
How much does it cost to fly from London to Mumbai?
A typical economy return runs about £450–£700 depending on the season. The best deals dip to around £360–£400, usually in the monsoon months (June–September) or during sales, while Diwali and the December peak push toward the top of that range.
What is the cheapest month to fly from London to Mumbai?
June and September are usually the cheapest, with returns from around £390. Avoid October/November (Diwali), December and early January, which are the busiest and most expensive.
Which airlines fly from London to Mumbai?
Non-stop from Heathrow: British Airways, Air India and Virgin Atlantic. One-stop: Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Etihad (via Abu Dhabi) and Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), which usually offer the lowest fares.
Which airport do I fly into in Mumbai?
You arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Mumbai’s main gateway, about 8 km north of the central city. International flights use the modern Terminal 2.
How far in advance should I book London to Mumbai flights?
Aim to book 2 to 4 months ahead. Fares to Mumbai tend to rise as departure approaches, especially around Diwali and the December peak, so early booking almost always wins on this route.
Is it cheaper to fly on weekdays?
Often, yes — midweek departures (Tuesday to Thursday) are usually a little cheaper than Friday–Sunday. Being flexible by a day or two, and pairing weekday flights out and back, can save £30–£80 on a return.
Fare guidance based on aifly.one deal tracking and current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Indicative economy returns — always check the live fare before booking.
