British Airways has launched a new, free ‘Student Travel Assistance’ service designed to make the journey smoother and less stressful for Indian students heading to the UK this admission season. Running from August 29 to October 31, 2025, the programme offers priority check-in and personalized support at five major Indian airports—Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai—where the airline operates 56 flights each week.
The service includes a dedicated check-in desk, clear wayfinding guidance through the airport terminals, and assistance with transfers upon arrival at Heathrow Terminal 5. For many students traveling overseas for the first time, these thoughtful touches aim to ease the travel experience from start to finish.
Helen O’Connor, Regional General Manager for Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific Airports at British Airways, said, “We are proud to support thousands of students as they embark on this exciting journey. Our teams have worked hard to introduce this service, offering dedicated help to make every part of their trip feel smooth and reassuring.”
This initiative comes at a time when Indian students are increasingly choosing to study abroad. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, over 1.33 million Indian students were enrolled in higher education overseas as of January 2024, with the UK remaining a top destination because of its academic reputation and cultural ties.
Data from the first half of 2025 shows that Indian students made up 24% of all international students in the UK, with 98,014 study visas issued. They are the second-largest group after Chinese students, who received 99,919 visas. However, visa numbers for Indian students have dipped by 11% compared to the previous year, due to tougher visa rules like shorter post-study work options and restrictions on dependents for certain courses.
Earlier this year, British Airways also launched a ‘Meet and Assist’ service for Indian travelers needing extra help at airports, including language support. This new student-focused assistance builds on the airline’s wider efforts to improve airport facilities, digital tools, and onboard experiences.
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