In a major push, Indigo has announced entry into long-haul international flight with launch of non-stop flights to Manchester and Amsterdam. This event marks a significant milestone for India’s largest carrier, which up to now has been mostly focused on short- and sectors.
IndiGo will operate thrice a week to both destinations starting from July 2025, subject to regulatory approvals. The airline has taken on a Boeing 787-9 widebody aircraft on wet-lease from Norse Atlantic Airways for the purpose of these routes. The aircraft will be equipped with 56 Extra Legroom IndiGo Stretch seats and 282 economy seats. Three more Boeing 787-9s are due to arrive in the latter half of 2025.
The move is happening as IndiGo is running behind schedule to get its Airbus A321 XLR aircraft, which were in line of delivery by 2024-25. The airline also expects its week in four Airbus A350-900 widejets, from 2027 up assuming. CEO Pieter Elbers indeed highlighted the airline’s plan for the long-term growth beyond, and eventually Europe, with destinations in Athens, Rome, and Seoul, also being mentioned. 
Currently IndiGo operates Boeing 777 leased from Turkish on a point — to — point connectivity to Europe, the US. The commencement of non-stop European services solidifies IndiGo’s status as the largest international carrier in the global market and lays the foundation for further growth.
