Brussels Airlines launches new route to Mumbai

Brussels Airlines launched its new connection between Brussels and Mumbai in an official ceremony yesterday at Brussels Airport. The flights have the potential to attract 60,000 passengers a year, according to CEO Bernard Gustin.

The route actually began a month ago, with five flights to Mumbai (pictured) a week but the official launch was delayed to coincide with an economic mission to India, which left on Monday. Some 20 Belgian companies are taking part in the mission, led by federal secretary of state for international trade Pieter De Crem.

The Brussels-Mumbai link has been promising so far, Gustin said. “We truly believe in the potential of Mumbai.”

The expected 60,000 passengers a year would make the destination the third biggest for the airline. In addition, Mumbai would also be an important freight route for cargo like diamonds, pharmaceuticals and chemicals.

Flights to Mumbai were once carried out by Indian airline Jet Airways, but it moved its base to Schiphol in Amsterdam last year. Brussels Airport CO Arnaud Feist said he was happy to see the route re-opened. “This is important for the image of Belgium following last year’s terrorist attacks, for Brussels Airport with 200 new jobs and for the development of bilateral trade,” he said.