Picture credits: Indigo
India: IndiGo has announced the launch of direct flights to Manchester and Amsterdam, marking its entry into the long-haul market. These routes are scheduled to begin in July 2025, expanding IndiGo’s international network between India and Europe.
The Manchester service will be the only direct flight from India to the northern United Kingdom, catering to business travelers, leisure passengers, and the Indian diaspora.
The Amsterdam route aims to strengthen trade and tourism links between India and the Netherlands. IndiGo, known for its budget-friendly fares and extensive domestic network, has not yet announced ticket prices but stated that fares will be “affordable.” Currently, return flights on similar routes are priced around £425, with a flight time of just over eight hours.
Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer of IndiGo, stated, “Today, we unlock a new and very exciting chapter in IndiGo’s growth journey, connecting India to the heart of Europe. We’re thrilled to announce our first-ever long-haul destinations – Manchester and Amsterdam. India has strong ties with both the United Kingdom and the Netherlands for business and tourism, and these new flights will benefit our existing and potential customers on these routes.”
Elbers added, “Personally, I’m delighted to introduce IndiGo’s services to the Netherlands, a country with which India, my present home, shares a rich history of trade, collaboration, and air connectivity. The United Kingdom is an important market for us, and we’re excited to announce direct flights between India and Manchester.”
To support these operations, IndiGo has expanded its damp lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways. The first Boeing 787-9 under this agreement began operations on March 1, 2025, with three more aircraft set to join later this year.
Picture credits: Boeing
These aircraft will facilitate IndiGo’s long-haul expansion ahead of its Airbus A321XLR and A350-900 deliveries, expected from 2027 onwards.
Flights to Manchester and Amsterdam will operate three times a week, pending regulatory approvals and operational readiness. IndiGo is also considering further expansion into other European markets as part of its broader international strategy.
Meanwhile, Air India is also increasing its flights from the UK this year following its merger with Vistara. Routes from London Heathrow to Delhi will increase from 21 to 24 per week, with two additional weekly flights from London Heathrow to Gatwick and Ahmedabad. London Gatwick to Amritsar flights will also increase from three to four per week.
IndiGo continues to grow its presence in Europe through multiple codeshare agreements, improving connectivity between India and European cities.
Stay tuned to Aviation Today for more such updates.
