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DELHI – IndiGo (6E), Delta Air Lines (DL), Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic (VS) have announced today plans to develop a partnership, enhancing the connectivity of India with Europe and North America.
The announcement took place during the 81st Annual General Meeting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Delhi. The alliance is set to strengthen international connectivity and streamline travel between dozens of cities across the three regions.
India, a rapidly growing aviation market, will serve as the central hub of this partnership. IndiGo’s extensive domestic network serving over 90 destinations will connect with Delta’s transatlantic routes, Air France-KLM’s European and North American services, and Virgin Atlantic’s U.K. and transatlantic presence.
Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo described the move as a step toward the airline’s global ambitions. “This partnership represents another important milestone to pursue commercial synergies, operational excellence and innovation," he said. "It enables a compelling combined customer proposition in the form of comprehensive intercontinental connectivity.”
The cooperation builds on existing relationships. 6E has partnered with Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic (VS) since 2022. The new agreement adds DL to the mix, deepening commercial ties and expanding international reach. Together, the airlines aim to offer more travel options, coordinated schedules, and an enhanced and consistent passenger experience.
“Combining our strengths will enable us to offer unparalleled connectivity and convenience,” Ed Bastian, CEO, Delta Air Lines said, noting Delta’s intention to resume direct US-India flights.
The deal also includes new route announcements. KLM will start serving Hyderabad, its fourth destination in India, starting in September 2025. Also, Air France-KLM will start selling IndiGo-operated flights from Hyderabad to 24 other Indian cities.
Pending regulatory approval, IndiGo will soon begin selling partner-operated international flights under its own 6E marketing code. Customers will gain access to more destinations in Europe and North America via codeshare flights, including KLM routes from Amsterdam, Virgin Atlantic’s U.S. services from Manchester, and Delta’s North American network.
Shai Weiss, CEO, Virgin Atlantic, added that the alliance connects “four of the world’s largest economies,” building on its existing joint venture with Delta and Air France-KLM.
The partnership comes amid a decline in transatlantic travel. According to data from IATA, there was a 17% drop in visitors from Western Europe to the United States in March 2025 compared to the previous year. Countries such as Ireland, Norway, and Germany experienced decreases exceeding 20%. This downturn is attributed to political tensions and concerns over U.S. border policies under the current administration.
Contrasting the challenges in the transatlantic market, India's aviation industry has witnessed growth over the past decade. According to IATA, India is poised to become the third-largest aviation market by 2026. The country's air passenger traffic is projected to reach 442 million by 2035, with 322 million new air travelers expected during this period.
Featured image: Virgin Atlantic
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