IndiGo Airlines will be taking a giant stride in the global aviation industry by introducing its first-ever long-haul routes. The airline revealed that from July 2025, it will commence direct flights to Manchester and Amsterdam, entering the long-haul space for the first time. These flights will be operated on a Boeing 787-9, which is to be leased from Norse Atlantic Airways, becoming India’s only direct connection to Manchester.
IndiGo Airlines Diversifies Overseas Presence With Long-Haul Flights
IndiGo, India’s market share leader in the airline sector, has been expanding its international presence step by step. With recent inclusions such as the Seychelles and Krabi, the carrier has primarily used code-share agreements to provide global connectivity. However, this direct expansion into Europe is a major step towards consolidating its independent long-haul operations.
Earlier this year, IndiGo signed a wet lease deal with Norse Atlantic Airways for a Boeing 787-9, which started operations on March 1, 2025. The deal has been extended to cover three additional aircraft, which will be added to the fleet later this year.
This strategic manoeuvre allows IndiGo to access the European market prior to the delivery of its own Airbus A321 XLR and A350-900 aircraft, which are to arrive in 2027.
Increasing Connectivity Between India And Europe
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers was thrilled with the airline’s new expansion. He said, ‘Today, we open a new chapter in IndiGo’s growth story, linking India to Europe. We’re excited to announce our first-ever long-haul destinations—Manchester and Amsterdam.’
India, Netherlands and the United Kingdom are closely connected in regards to business and tourism. These new routes will serve the increasing demand for hassle-free travel and provide more convenience to passengers.
The Manchester and Amsterdam flights will operate three times per week, pending regulatory approvals. The Manchester flight will be India’s only nonstop service because all other flights at least have one stopover.
With more planes to be inducted later in the year, IndiGo also plans to stretch its long-haul network across other major destinations in Europe. This move signals a turning point for IndiGo Flights and makes it a strong player in the global air travel industry.
Also Read: ‘Emergency Travel Is A Nightmare!’ Flyers Take To X To Call Out Air India & IndiGo’s Duopoly
With an international presence growing bigger, can IndiGo redefine inexpensive long-haul travel?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (For Representation) & Wikimedia Commons
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