New Delhi, May 21, 2025 — IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, is set to make its long-awaited entry into long-haul international aviation with the launch of direct flights to Manchester and Amsterdam from Mumbai, beginning early July 2025. The strategic move marks a significant milestone in the airline’s broader internationalisation efforts and aims to position IndiGo as a formidable player in the medium- to long-haul aviation segment.
The new routes will operate thrice weekly, connecting Mumbai to Manchester in the United Kingdom and Amsterdam in the Netherlands. This development aligns with IndiGo’s vision to expand its global footprint and offer greater connectivity from India to key global business and leisure destinations.
Major Expansion in Global Operations
The announcement comes at a time when IndiGo is actively pursuing network diversification beyond its traditionally strong short-haul and regional markets in South Asia and the Middle East. The airline has so far built its brand around point-to-point, high-frequency, low-cost service primarily within India and the surrounding region.
In a statement issued by the airline, IndiGo’s CEO Pieter Elbers emphasized the company’s growth ambition: “Our foray into long-haul routes with direct services to Manchester and Amsterdam is a landmark moment for IndiGo. These additions are part of our strategy to offer more direct connectivity between India and key international hubs, catering to growing demand among both business and leisure travellers.”
Focus on Europe-India Connectivity
The launch of direct flights to Manchester and Amsterdam is expected to enhance air connectivity between India and Europe, benefiting students, tourists, business travelers, and members of the Indian diaspora. Mumbai, being a major metropolitan and economic hub, serves as an ideal origin point for long-haul services.
Industry analysts note that the demand for non-stop flights to Europe has risen steadily in recent years, driven by increased trade, educational mobility, and tourism. While full-service carriers like Air India and British Airways dominate the India-Europe corridor, IndiGo’s entry is expected to disrupt the market with competitive pricing and efficient service, in line with its low-cost carrier model.
Aircraft, Frequency, and Passenger Experience
Though IndiGo has not yet confirmed the specific aircraft that will service these routes, aviation experts speculate that it could deploy its new Airbus A321XLR fleet, which is well-suited for medium to long-haul international flights. These aircraft offer a range of up to 8,700 kilometers and are expected to be equipped with enhanced cabin configurations to suit longer journey durations.
The flights are scheduled to operate three times a week, with bookings set to open in early June. The service launch is expected to attract a mix of VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) travelers, business passengers, and tourists exploring summer travel options to and from Europe.
Conclusion
IndiGo’s debut in the long-haul market signals a transformative phase in the airline’s global strategy, reflecting its confidence in expanding beyond regional boundaries. With direct services to Manchester and Amsterdam, IndiGo is not only tapping into high-demand routes but also laying the groundwork for future expansions into Western Europe and potentially North America.
This strategic leap could reshape the competitive dynamics of the India-Europe aviation corridor, offering travelers more choice and value as international air travel continues to rebound post-pandemic.
