IndiGo's first-ever long-haul flights to Manchester and Amsterdam will commence from July

IndiGo launches first-ever long-haul flights to Manchester and Amsterdam

India's largest airline by market share, IndiGo made its long-haul debut on March 6, announcing non-stop flights to Manchester and Amsterdam which will commence from July, as it ramps up the global network.

"We're thrilled to announce our first-ever long-haul destinations - Manchester and Amsterdam," Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo said, adding that these long-haul routes will help the airline in building India into a global aviation hub. The airline has ambitions to expand its international reach as well as cargo operations and position itself as a leading global airline by 2030.

Flights to both destinations will run thrice a week and are expected to commence from July 2025, subject to operational preparedness and regulatory approvals. IndiGo said the frequency may be ramped up as additional aircraft join its fleet later this year. The airline had signed a damp lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways for a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, which was inducted into operations this month, and three additional such planes will be leased in the second half of 2025.

" 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," said Pieter Elbers.

The aircraft will help IndiGo foray into the long-haul market and establish itself in Europe as it awaits delivery of its Airbus A321 XLR and A350-900, expected starting 2027.

The airline said it has been building presence in Europe through multiple codeshare partnerships over past two years to connect several European cities to India.

Just days ago, IndiGo announced direct flights between Mumbai and Krabi, Thailand, starting March 23. The airline will initially run six flights a week with plans to increase frequency to daily services in a week after launch.

Brussels Airport authorities are already in talks with Air India as well as IndiGo to restore direct flight services between India and Belgium this year in an attempt to expand trade and tourism ties.