IndiGo Set to Launch First-Ever Long-Haul Flights to Europe
India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is preparing for its European long-haul debut with new nonstop routes to Amsterdam and Manchester. Starting July 2025, the low-cost carrier will operate three weekly flights to each city, pending regulatory approval.
This marks a major shift for IndiGo, traditionally focused on short- and medium-haul routes across India and Asia. The move signals the airline’s bold leap into long-haul markets as part of its international growth strategy.
Breaking New Ground
“These routes mark a very exciting chapter in IndiGo’s journey,” said CEO Pieter Elbers. “We’re connecting India directly with the heart of Europe. With deep business, tourism, and family ties, this expansion will benefit both existing and future customers.”
The airline has not confirmed which Indian city these flights will depart from, though reports suggest New Delhi, IndiGo’s main hub.
Backed by Norse Atlantic’s Dreamliners
To jump-start long-haul operations, IndiGo has signed a damp-lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways. The deal includes four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with the first already in service on the Delhi–Bangkok route. Three more Dreamliners will join by late 2025.
The initial lease covers six months, with an option to extend to 18 months. IndiGo is also open to expanding this partnership and leasing more widebody aircraft.
Long-Term Fleet Plans
The long-haul venture is backed by an ambitious fleet expansion. IndiGo has ordered:
- 70 Airbus A321XLRs, arriving from 2025
- 30 Airbus A350-900s, expected from 2027
These next-generation aircraft will allow IndiGo to build a sustainable long-haul network in the coming years.
Amsterdam and Manchester: Why They Matter
IndiGo has built strong codeshare ties in Europe with airlines like Air France, British Airways, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic. But these new flights will be its first direct long-haul routes operated independently.
Amsterdam already connects to India via KLM and Air India, but IndiGo’s presence will boost competition and offer more choice to travellers.
Manchester is a different story. IndiGo will become the only airline flying nonstop to India from the north of the UK during summer 2025. This gives the airline access to a large Indian diaspora of over 540,000 people in the region and strong demand for visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel.
A Boost for Trade and Connectivity
“This new service will be the only direct route to India from northern UK,” said Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe. “It supports both family ties and business links with the world’s fastest-growing major economy.”
He added that the route aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen UK–India trade, particularly as discussions continue around a bilateral trade agreement.
IndiGo’s Rising Global Profile
IndiGo now operates a fleet of over 400 aircraft, flying to 90 domestic and 35 international destinations. In 2024, it carried more than 113 million passengers.
With the launch of Amsterdam and Manchester, IndiGo is no longer just India’s largest domestic carrier. It’s stepping onto the world stage, aiming to become a major player in long-haul travel too.
July 2025 marks a new era — IndiGo’s blue tails are headed for Europe.