IndiGo Introduces Growth Through Direct Flights to Ten New International Hubs
IndiGo, India's largest airline, has unveiled an ambitious expansion plan aimed at doubling its fleet size by 2030 and increasing its international capacity to 30%. This strategic move will see the airline launch direct flights to 10 new international cities during the current fiscal year.
The new international destinations will include Manchester in the UK, Seoul in East Asia, Nairobi in Africa, and cities in Central Asia and the Caucasus such as Almaty, Tashkent, and Baku. These routes represent a significant shift for IndiGo, which was previously a domestic and regional low-cost carrier, now evolving into a serious long-haul player.
IndiGo's expansion into long-haul routes will be facilitated by the Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 787-9 aircraft, which will serve medium and long-haul destinations. The airline will also induct advanced aircraft into its fleet, including Airbus A321 XLR aircraft in 2026 and wide-body A350 aircraft in 2027.
In addition to these long-haul routes, IndiGo will also introduce services to Southeast Asian destinations like Hanoi and Siem Reap. The airline's CEO, Pieter Elbers, has emphasized IndiGo's ambition to become a global player in the aviation industry.
To optimize these routes, IndiGo is expanding its multi-hub strategy. Mumbai will focus on West Asia and certain Central Asia routes, Delhi on Central Asia, and Hyderabad on niche and regional routes. The airline's international growth is also supported by partnerships with airlines like Delta, Air France-KLM, Virgin Atlantic, and Japan Airlines, enabling further connectivity across Europe and North America via codeshares.
IndiGo is also introducing a new business class product called "Stretch" on select international routes. This service will be available on narrow-body aircraft operating to destinations such as Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore, and Phuket.
On the domestic front, IndiGo has announced the commencement of daily direct flights between Mumbai and Adampur, effective July 2, 2025. Adampur, located in Punjab's Jalandhar district, will be IndiGo's 92nd domestic and 133rd overall destination. This new route aims to enhance connectivity between Maharashtra's capital and northern Punjab.
Interestingly, IndiGo will also become the first airline to take off from Navi Mumbai Airport, marking a significant milestone in the airport's history.
The introduction of these new routes and services is expected to stimulate economic activity in various sectors, including industry, education, and tourism within the Jalandhar region. IndiGo's substantial order book of over 900 aircraft positions it well to achieve these goals, with the airline set to induct more aircraft into its fleet in the coming years.
The new expansion plans of IndiGo, including targets for doubling its fleet size by 2030 and flying to 10 new international cities this fiscal year, will see the airline reach destinations such as Manchester in the UK, Seoul in East Asia, and Nairobi in Africa. With the addition of Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 787-9 aircraft, and the introduction of business class services like "Stretch," IndiGo aims to become a global force in the aviation landscape, while also boosting industry, finance, and lifestyle opportunities in regions like Jalandhar through new routes and services.
