IndiGo celebrates 18th anniversary with launch of ‘IndiGo Stretch’ business class 

In a significant departure from its all-economy class model, India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has introduced ‘IndiGo Stretch’, its first business class seat. This move aligns with the airline’s 18th anniversary, which falls on August 7. Bookings for ‘IndiGo Stretch’ will open on the Delhi-Mumbai route starting Tuesday, with prices starting at ₹18,018. However, passengers will experience the new service starting in November. 

IndiGo has ambitious plans to expand its business class offering to at least 12 routes, focusing primarily on metro-to-metro cities by the end of 2025. Complementing this launch is the introduction of IndiGo’s “Bluchip” loyalty program, set to roll out in September. 

“Considering India’s soaring economy and the evolving aspirations of our customers, it’s a very natural moment to move in that direction to build that customer base on the basis of trust and comfort,” the airline stated. The business class will feature 12 seats in a 2-2 configuration, offering specially curated healthy meal options from Oberoi Catering Services. 

IndiGo, which commands over 60% of the domestic market share, will now compete directly with Tata Group’s Air India and its associated airlines to attract affluent passengers. 

In addition to enhancing its domestic services, IndiGo aims to expand its international presence to over 40 destinations by the end of this financial year. Currently, the airline operates more than 2,000 flights daily, covering approximately 120 destinations, including 33 international cities. 

To facilitate its operations on mid-haul and long-haul routes, IndiGo will acquire A321 XLR planes in 2025 and wide-body A350 aircraft in 2027. 

In a related development, Rahul Bhatia, co-founder of IndiGo, clarified his future with the airline after selling a 2% stake in InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, the parent company of IndiGo, for around ₹3,400 crore. Bhatia emphasized that IndiGo welcomes competition, stating, “India deserves more than just two airlines.”