Indian budget airline IndiGo has announced its first long-haul European routes, with plans to begin flights to Amsterdam and Manchester in July 2025.
While the airline has not officially confirmed the Indian departure airport, reports suggest that both routes will likely operate from Delhi, its main hub.
The new services will operate three times a week using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, leased from the European budget carrier Norse Atlantic. IndiGo has secured four of these aircraft to help establish its presence in the long-haul market as it prepares for the delivery of its own Airbus A321 XLR and A350-900 planes starting in 2027.
Pieter Elbers, IndiGo’s CEO, expressed excitement about the new routes, calling them a significant step in the airline’s growth. “We’re thrilled to announce our first-ever long-haul destinations—Manchester and Amsterdam. India has strong business and tourism ties with the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, and both countries are home to large Indian communities,” Elbers said.
In recent years, IndiGo has expanded its network through codeshare agreements with major European airlines, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, emphasized the importance of the new routes. “This will be the only direct flight to India from the north of the UK. With over half a million people of Indian heritage living in our catchment area, we anticipate strong demand,” Woodroofe said. He also noted the economic benefits, highlighting how the new connection would enhance trade between the UK and India.
IndiGo operates a fleet of over 400 aircraft, serving more than 90 destinations within India and 35 international routes. The airline carried over 113 million passengers in 2024.
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