Budget Airline Expands Long-Haul Flight Options
IndiGo Expands Long-Haul Operations with New Routes and Enhanced Services
IndiGo, India's largest airline and the world's third-largest budget carrier, is making significant strides in its long-haul international expansion. The airline has launched direct flights from Mumbai to Manchester, marking its entry into long-haul travel [1][3]. This move is part of IndiGo's plan to add around 10 new overseas destinations by March 2026, including key European cities like London, Athens, and Copenhagen [1][2][4].
The Manchester-Mumbai route, the first direct link between the two cities in over a decade, is the only nonstop flight to India from any UK airport outside London [1]. IndiGo is leveraging its growing fleet of long-range aircraft, including the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787-9, plus the long-range narrowbody A321XLR, to target high-growth corridors between India and Europe, as well as other international destinations like Dubai, Singapore, Phuket, and Bangkok [1][2][4].
In economy class, passengers can expect 30kg of checked baggage, 7kg of hand luggage, complimentary hot meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages, in-flight entertainment, and the option to purchase alcoholic beverages, blankets, pillows, and amenity kits [1]. IndiGo's vast domestic network of more than 90 destinations means passengers landing in Mumbai can easily continue to cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Kochi [1].
IndiGo's long-haul Dreamliners offer comfort and value, with return fares between Manchester and Mumbai starting at £426 in economy and £870 in Stretch [1]. Stretch, IndiGo's upgraded cabin, includes forward cabin roomier seating with extra legroom and power outlets, 46kg checked baggage allowance and 12kg hand luggage, lounge access at select airports, complimentary meals, snacks, and beverages, including alcohol, and blankets and pillows [1].
IndiGo is not just a low-cost carrier; it is evolving beyond the traditional LCC model. While maintaining cost leadership and competitive pricing, it has introduced a business class product called ‘Stretch’ on select domestic trunk routes and plans to extend business class to international routes [2]. It also has an evolving loyalty program and increasing partnerships with full-service airlines such as Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic, enabling seamless connections between domestic and international networks [2].
Compared to other low-cost long-haul airlines globally, IndiGo is pursuing a more aggressive and broad long-haul expansion strategy, particularly in Europe, backed by one of the world's largest aircraft backlogs (over 900 aircraft on order), which enables rapid capacity growth [3]. IndiGo's extensive domestic network in India also provides strong feeder traffic to its long-haul flights, which many other LCCs lack.
IndiGo's CEO, Pieter Elbers, clarified that the airline is not a bargain-basement airline but a straightforward, comprehensive option without the complexities that plague many legacy carriers [2]. The airline aims to make long-haul travel affordable and enjoyable without the frills and without the chaos [2]. As of July 2025, IndiGo operates a fleet of 414 aircraft with an average age of just 4.6 years and has 916 aircraft on order, including 60 Airbus A350s, set to begin delivery from 2027 [1].
IndiGo's expansion comes as national carrier Air India is reeling from reputational damage and reduced services following the tragic AI171 crash in Ahmedabad [1]. This presents an opportunity for IndiGo to capture a larger share of the Indian aviation market and establish itself as a leading player in the long-haul travel sector.
[1] The Economic Times, "IndiGo to launch 10 new overseas destinations by March 2026", July 2025. [2] The Financial Express, "IndiGo enters long-haul travel with Manchester-Mumbai flight", July 2025. [3] Bloomberg, "IndiGo's Long-Haul Dreams", July 2025. [4] Business Standard, "IndiGo's long-haul expansion: Dubai, Singapore, Phuket, and Bangkok on the radar", July 2025.
- The financial sector is closely monitoring the expansion of IndiGo's long-haul operations, as the airline's ambition to add 10 new overseas destinations by March 2026, including key European cities, may impact the travel industry's business model.
- As IndiGo's long-haul operations develop, the lifestyle choices of travelers may shift, with technology playing a significant role in enhancing the travel experience, as new services like in-flight entertainment and improved cabin offerings are introduced.
- The increasing partnerships between IndiGo and full-service airlines such as Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic shed light on the evolving connection between the airline industry and finance, as consolidations and collaborations reshape the business landscape.
