IndiGo to launch direct flights to London, Athens, and eight other international cities this fiscal: CEO Pieter Elbers
IndiGo is stepping up its global ambitions with plans to launch direct flights to 10 international destinations, including key European cities such as London, Athens, Amsterdam, and Manchester, in the current financial year. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in the airline’s growth, including its much-anticipated entry into long-haul services.CEO Pieter Elbers, speaking at a press briefing in the national capital on Friday, emphasized the growing potential of Indian aviation. “There is an enormous opportunity in Indian aviation where rising demand is supported by infrastructure expansion,” he said, as quoted PTI.In July, IndiGo will commence direct flights from Mumbai to Manchester and Amsterdam using leased Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with the Manchester service marking the airline’s foray into long-haul operations.Other international routes include Copenhagen (Denmark), Siem Reap (Cambodia), and four additional cities in Central Asia, expanding IndiGo’s global footprint as it seeks to transform India into a key aviation hub.Elbers pointed out that while Indian carriers currently handle 45 per cent of the country’s international air traffic, the remaining 55 per cent is still served by foreign airlines—highlighting a major opportunity for growth. “There is also an enormous opportunity to build India as a great place for connecting flights,” he added.Now a USD 10 billion-revenue company, IndiGo operates more than 2,300 flights daily with a fleet of over 430 aircraft, connecting over 90 domestic and 40 international destinations.Notably, the airline also leads in gender diversity among Indian carriers, with women making up around 15 per cent of its pilot workforce.IndiGo will further raise its global profile by hosting the 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in New Delhi this June. It will be the first time India hosts the prestigious event in 42 years.
