IndiGo, India’s largest airline, is set to broaden its international footprint by launching direct flights to London, Athens, Copenhagen, and five other overseas cities within the current financial year. The airline also announced that flights from Mumbai to Manchester (UK) and Amsterdam (Netherlands) will commence this July, marking its debut in long-haul international operations.
Speaking at a briefing in New Delhi, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers highlighted the immense growth potential in Indian aviation, fueled by increasing passenger demand and infrastructure expansion. “There is an enormous opportunity in Indian aviation where rising demand is supported by infrastructure expansion,” Elbers said. He further added that passenger traffic is expected to double between 2025 and 2030, indicating a bright future for the sector.
IndiGo plans to introduce services to eight new international destinations this year, including London (UK), Athens (Greece), Copenhagen (Denmark), Siem Reap (Cambodia), and four cities in Central Asia. These new routes will be operated using six Boeing 787-9 aircraft leased from Norse Atlantic Airways, which will also power the Mumbai-Manchester and Mumbai-Amsterdam flights starting in July.
With over 18 years in operation, IndiGo currently operates more than 2,300 daily flights across 90 domestic and 40 international destinations. The airline boasts a fleet of over 430 aircraft and aims to expand its fleet to more than 600 planes by FY30.
Elbers also spoke about India’s potential to become a major global aviation hub, pointing out that Indian carriers currently handle 45% of the country’s international air traffic, with foreign airlines managing the remaining 55%. He emphasized the opportunity to strengthen India’s position as a key transit point for connecting flights.
Notably, IndiGo is recognized for having one of the highest proportions of female pilots in the industry, with women making up around 15% of its pilot workforce. On the subject of alliances, Elbers clarified that while IndiGo has partnerships with various airlines, it currently has no plans to join any airline alliances.
In another significant development, IndiGo will host the 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in New Delhi this June. This marks the first time in 42 years that India is hosting the prestigious aviation industry event.
As IndiGo continues to expand internationally, its growth strategy reflects both the airline’s ambition and the rising stature of Indian aviation on the global stage.
Sources By Agencies
