IndiGo, India’s largest low-cost airline, is expanding its international reach with direct flights to Amsterdam and Manchester, set to launch in July 2025. This marks a significant shift for the airline, as it enters the long-haul flight market to compete with established global carriers.
Expanding Beyond Asia
IndiGo has traditionally focused on short-haul routes in Asia and the Middle East. However, with this new move into Western Europe, the airline aims to tap into the growing India-Europe travel market, which has largely been dominated by full-service airlines.
IndiGo currently operates a fleet of over 400 aircraft and has more than 900 on order. This makes it one of the fastest-growing airlines globally. To support its long-haul expansion, the airline has signed a wet lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways for Boeing 787-9 aircraft. These will be used for long-haul flights until IndiGo’s own 30 Airbus A350-900s arrive by 2027.
Boosting Connectivity Between India and Europe
Previously, IndiGo’s European destinations were limited to Eastern Europe, with flights to cities like Baku, Tbilisi, and Istanbul. The addition of Amsterdam and Manchester will improve connectivity between India and Western Europe, with three weekly flights to each destination, pending regulatory approval.
Amsterdam: A Competitive Market
IndiGo will face strong competition on the Amsterdam route, as KLM and Air India already offer multiple daily flights between Amsterdam and Delhi. KLM also operates twice-daily flights to Mumbai. However, IndiGo’s partnership with KLM, through a codeshare agreement, will allow passengers to easily connect to other European cities.
Manchester: A New Opportunity
IndiGo’s new route to Manchester will be the only direct connection between India and northern UK. Manchester is home to a large Indian community of nearly 500,000 people, making it a prime market for both leisure and business travelers. This route will also revive a connection that was briefly operated by Jet Airways between 2018 and 2019.
Growth in India-Europe Air Travel
The India-Europe air travel market has been growing rapidly in recent years. In January 2025, the seat capacity between India and Europe was 10% higher than pre-pandemic levels, and 2024 saw an 18% year-on-year increase in annual capacity, reaching 11.5 million seats.
However, despite this growth, the India-Europe market still lags behind other major global routes. In summer 2025, the India-Europe route will have 229,000 weekly seats—just 53% of the weekly seats on the India-China route, even though both countries have similar populations of 1.4 billion people.
Currently, 16 airlines operate between India and Europe, down from 18 in 2024. Air India holds the largest market share at 30.2%, followed by Lufthansa at 14.3%, and British Airways at 12.4%. IndiGo ranks fourth with an 8.8% share, reflecting its growing international presence.
IndiGo’s Strategy for Long-Haul Travel
IndiGo’s success has been built on its low-cost, high-efficiency model, which has allowed it to remain competitive in India’s price-sensitive market. As it enters the long-haul market, fleet expansion will play a key role in its strategy. The arrival of A321XLR aircraft in 2024 will enable IndiGo to operate longer-range narrow-body flights. By 2027, the addition of A350s will allow IndiGo to compete with full-service airlines on high-demand routes.
As the only low-cost carrier from India flying to Western Europe, IndiGo aims to attract budget-conscious travelers and stimulate demand in underserved markets.
A New Era in Indian Aviation
With its expanding fleet, growing international network, and cost-efficient operations, IndiGo is changing the landscape of international travel for Indian passengers. By entering the India-Europe market with direct flights, the airline is positioning itself as a major player in global aviation.
As India’s aviation industry continues to grow, IndiGo’s venture into long-haul operations marks a significant step toward global leadership. The airline is challenging legacy carriers and providing more affordable international travel options.
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