IndiGo is set to make a landmark entry into the European market by introducing long-haul services to key destinations. The IndiGo non-stop flights to Manchester and Amsterdam begin July 2025, marking its first venture into long-haul operations after years of dominating short and medium-haul segments.
CEO Pieter Elbers expressed enthusiasm for this new phase in the airline’s growth, noting the strong connections India shares with the UK and the Netherlands for business and tourism. With a large Indian diaspora living in these countries, these new routes are set to benefit not only the existing customers but also potential customers who fly on them.
IndiGo Flights to Manchester and Amsterdam Targets Key Markets
Photo by Mylo Kaye from Pexels
Aviation analysts highlight the strategic significance of IndiGo’s selection of Manchester and Amsterdam as its inaugural European destinations. Pending final regulatory clearances, the airline will operate three weekly flights to these cities.
The move follows years of methodical expansion of IndiGo international routes through codeshare partnerships with European carriers, including British Airways, Air France, and KLM. These new direct flights to Amsterdam position the carrier to capture traffic from both point-to-point travelers and connecting passengers.
The carrier will hold exclusive rights for direct flights to Manchester from India during the Summer 2025 season. Passenger data indicates substantial volume potential, with Manchester-India traffic exceeding 300,000 passengers in 2024 alone.
Fleet Acquisition Accelerates Intercontinental Ambitions
IndiGo has secured operational capacity through a strategic damp-lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways for Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The first widebody entered service on March 1 and was initially deployed on the New Delhi-Bangkok corridor.
Industry reports confirm three additional 787s will join the fleet in the latter half of 2025. The current agreement is for six months, with provisions for an 18-month extension, subject to regulatory approvals.
IndiGo’s long-term fleet strategy includes orders for 70 Airbus A321XLRs, due to begin arriving later this year, and 30 A350-900s, set for delivery in 2027.
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