India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is embarking on a bold new chapter with the launch of its first long-haul services, connecting Mumbai to Manchester and Amsterdam from early July. This milestone marks a decisive shift in the airline’s internationalisation strategy, as it seeks to expand far beyond its traditional short- and medium-haul operations.
Set to begin operations on July 1 and 2 respectively, these thrice-weekly services will be operated using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on damp lease from Norse Atlantic Airways. The aircraft will feature a dual-class configuration—56 business class seats under IndiGo’s new “IndiGoStretch” category, and 282 economy seats. Notably, the airline is also introducing complimentary hot meals on these flights, a departure from its no-frills service model that has defined it for over 15 years, but which has also earned it its fair share of brickbats.
For a brand synonymous with affordability and efficiency, this marks a major strategic pivot. With fares starting at ₹24,499 to Manchester and ₹26,999 to Amsterdam, IndiGo is striking a delicate balance—offering competitive pricing while enhancing the customer experience. This evolution reflects the changing dynamics of global aviation, and India’s own growing importance as an outbound travel market.
While Air India has long been the sole Indian carrier with direct flights to Europe, IndiGo’s move opens a new chapter in Indian aviation. The low-cost, long-haul model has historically been fraught with challenges globally, but IndiGo is banking on a mix of strategic leasing, data-driven route planning, and domestic connectivity to build a sustainable presence in this segment.
By adding these European destinations, IndiGo builds on a wider international growth spree that has seen it expand into Central Asia, the Caucasus, Southeast Asia, and Africa in recent years. Until now, this has been powered by its narrow-body aircraft, but the long-haul launch marks the entry into a distinctly different operational and customer territory.
The airline’s long-term strategy includes the induction of Airbus A321XLR aircraft beginning this year and the wide-body A350-900 aircraft from 2027 onward. However, rather than waiting for deliveries to begin, IndiGo has chosen to lease wide-body aircraft now and build momentum in the international market. The move is pragmatic and forward-thinking—it allows IndiGo to test new markets, build operational expertise, and strengthen brand recognition globally.
Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo, said, “IndiGo’s long-haul foray marks a pivotal moment in our global expansion journey. We are very proud as well as excited to open the sale of our first long-haul service connecting Mumbai with Manchester, a very special route in many ways. Celebrating India and its unique cuisine, we’re thrilled to announce that specially crafted complimentary hot meals and beverages, by iconic homegrown Indian brands, will be served to all our customers on this route.The new route will provide seamless connection to a vast majority of 90+ Indian destinations on IndiGo’s domestic network benefiting customers travelling from Manchester to Mumbai. This service by IndiGo will thereby further enhance connectivity between India and the UK, fostering stronger economic, educational, and cultural ties. Beyond supporting the growing Indian diaspora in the region, these direct flights are expected to boost two-way tourism, ease travel for students, professionals and leisure travellers, and unlock new avenues for bilateral trade and collaboration between the two countries.”
The broader implications are clear. As India cements its place as one of the largest and fastest-growing aviation markets in the world, airlines like IndiGo are stepping up to fill the gaps in international connectivity. With more than 60% domestic market share and a network spanning over 90 Indian cities, IndiGo is uniquely positioned to act as a bridge between India and the world.
In choosing underserved yet promising routes like Manchester and Amsterdam, IndiGo continues its strategy of avoiding overly saturated markets while stimulating demand. With international travel demand from India rebounding strongly, this calculated move sets the stage for more long-haul expansions in the near future.
IndiGo’s internationalisation is no longer a plan on paper—it is taking off, one long-haul flight at a time.
