Onboard IndiGo’s Long-Haul Debut: The Start of a Global Ramp-Up
Photo Credit: IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers pictured during the inaugural flight festivities. Pieter Elbers/LinkedIn
Skift Take
IndiGo is making a bold pivot from budget regional dominance to global player. Its “fit-for-purpose” approach may not rival full-service carriers yet, but its pricing and partnerships could redefine value on Indo-Europe routes.
Earlier this week, IndiGo turned a new page in its almost 19-year history. On July 1, its first long-haul flight established connectivity between Mumbai and Manchester. The next day, it touched down in continental Europe, flying from Mumbai to Amsterdam for the first time.
The carrier will now operate on alternate days between the two routes, three times weekly. Don’t be fooled by the modest start – something much bigger is in the works.
IndiGo has been plotting global dominance for some time. Rahul Bhatia – CEO of parent company InterGlobe – brought former KLM chief Pieter Elbers on board in 2022. The brief was to lead the organization in its shift from a domestic and regional carrier to a true long-haul operator.
The airline has ordered more than 60 Airbus A321 XLR aircraft, which are scheduled to join the fleet later this year. It also ordered 30 widebody A350-900s in 2024, later doubling the order to 60 jets.
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