Flights from London to Chennai
Chennai is the gateway to Tamil Nadu and much of south-east India, and London to Chennai is a long-standing family route. Flights land at Chennai International Airport, in the city's south-west.
- About 10–10½ hours non-stop
- Non-stop
- LHR → MAA
About this route
Chennai's weather runs on a different calendar from north India, so the best time to fly here is not the same as for Delhi. Read the timing notes below before you pick your dates.
Non-stop or one stop?
British Airways flies non-stop between Heathrow and Chennai. Many travellers also fly one-stop through the Gulf, which can offer more departure times.
One-stop journeys via Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways) or Abu Dhabi (Etihad) are widely used, as are connections through Delhi or Mumbai with Air India.
When to fly
Chennai is warm and humid most of the year. Unlike much of India, it gets most of its rain from the northeast monsoon, from about October to December. January to March is usually the most comfortable time to visit, and May and June are the hottest.
Good to know
- Heavy rain from October to December can bring flooding in the city. If you're travelling then, a fare that allows changes is worth considering.
- The airport is close to the city by Indian standards, and the metro links it to the centre.
- For Puducherry, Madurai or Tiruchirappalli, you can continue by road or domestic flight. We can add a domestic flight to the same booking.
Passports and visas
British passport holders need a valid Indian visa, an e-Visa or an OCI card to enter India. Apply for an e-Visa only through the Government of India's official website, never a lookalike, and check the current rules on GOV.UK before you book.
London to Chennai: your questions
How long is the flight from London to Chennai?
A non-stop flight from Heathrow to Chennai takes about 10 to 10½ hours. A one-stop journey via the Gulf, Delhi or Mumbai takes longer, depending on the connection.
Which airline flies non-stop from London to Chennai?
British Airways flies non-stop between Heathrow and Chennai. We'll confirm the schedule on your dates when we quote, along with the best one-stop alternatives.
When is the rainy season in Chennai?
Chennai gets most of its rain from the northeast monsoon, roughly October to December, rather than in the summer like much of India. January to March is usually the most comfortable time to travel.
How much is a flight from London to Chennai?
Fares from London to Chennai change every day with the season, the day of the week and how full the flight is, so we don't publish a price we can't stand behind. Send us your dates and a consultant will quote you today's total fare, including any service fee, before you pay anything.
How booking with us works
Wicket Travel Limited books flights on your behalf as a travel agent. When you send us a request through our booking portal, by WhatsApp or by phone, a consultant quotes you a total price and the fare rules, and we book only once you agree and pay. The airline issues your e-ticket and operates your flight under its own conditions of carriage.
The full details are in our terms and conditions.
Last reviewed 5 November 2026. Airline schedules change, so we confirm the airlines and times on your dates when we quote.