DALLAS — India’s largest low-cost carrier (LCC), Indigo (6E), has announced its long-haul debut in Europe with nonstop flights to Amsterdam (AMS) and Manchester (MAN). The Manchester route marks the only direct route from India to northern Europe.
Recently, IndiGo received a wet-leased Boeing 787-9 from Norse Atlantic Airways (N0). Currently deployed on domestic routes, the aircraft is expected to operate thrice-weekly flights to AMS and MAN starting in July 2025, subject to operational readiness and regulatory approvals.
The Boeing 787-9 features a two-class configuration, with 56 Premium Economy and 282 Economy seats. 6E will market the Premium Economy section under its newly introduced "IndiGo Stretch" product. The airline expects to receive three more Boeing 787-9 aircraft from N0, with deliveries scheduled for the year's second half.
IndiGo’s expansion into Europe has long been part of its strategic growth plan, which is now coming to fruition. Its robust domestic network in India ensures seamless connections to other destinations nationwide. The airline’s codeshare agreement with Turkish Airlines (TK) also provides access to over 30 European destinations.
These wide-bodies and their long-haul flights enabled 6E to establish the long-haul market well before its Airbus A321XLR and Airbus A350-900, expected in 2027. IndiGo currently has firm orders for 30 Airbus A350-900s, with options for an additional 70, alongside more than 70 Airbus A321XLRs on order.
Comments from IndiGo CEO
Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer of IndiGo, expressed the airline’s excitement in a press statement released by the airline.
"Today, we unlock a new and very exciting chapter in IndiGo's growth journey, connecting India to the heart of Europe. We're thrilled to announce our first-ever long-haul destinations - Manchester and Amsterdam. India has strong ties both with the United Kingdom and the Netherlands for business and tourism; and there is a large Indian diaspora who live in these countries. These new flights will benefit both our existing and potential customers who fly on these routes. These new IndiGo long-haul routes are steps towards inching closer to realising our shared vision to build India into a global aviation hub."
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May 2025
