Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo is planning to launch flights to London and nine other overseas destinations this financial year.
The airline – which is the biggest in India – has already confirmed its first UK route, between Manchester and Mumbai, which starts in July.
These flights, together with a new service to Amsterdam, also launching in July, will be IndiGo’s first to Europe.
In a press conference on Friday, CEO Pieter Elbers said the airline has 10 new overseas destinations in its sights for this year, including London.
He did not specify which destinations the airline will connect with London or exactly when flights will start, only that it would be this financial year, which ends in March 2026.
IndiGo currently serves 40 international destinations and 90 domestic cities with a fleet of more than 430 aircraft.
It will use Boeing 787s, leased from Norse Atlantic, for the flights to Manchester and Amsterdam.
IndiGo has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Virgin Atlantic and its joint venture partners Air France-KLM and Delta Air Lines to link IndiGo’s domestic network with with ‘dozens’ of cities in the US, Canada, Europe and India.
Pieter Elbers said: “IndiGo has embarked on an ambitious journey to become a global airline by 2030. This partnership represents another important milestone to pursue commercial synergies, operational excellence and innovation. This announcement not only expands our relationship with Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic but also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as we welcome Delta Airlines as a valued partner.”
Virgin CEO Shai Weiss said: “In our 25th year of flying to India, we’re delighted to build on our Joint Venture with Delta and Air France-KLM, and our successful codeshare with IndiGo, by going further with this partnership.
“As IndiGo starts long haul operations, we’ll connect four of the world’s largest economies, enhancing the travel experience for our guests, from greater connectivity and optimised flight times to loyalty benefits.”
