IndiGo expands global reach, announces inaugural long-haul flights to Amsterdam & Manchester, ET TravelWorld

IndiGo has unveiled a significant milestone in its expansion strategy with the launch of its first-ever long-haul flights to Europe. The airline will commence non-stop services to Amsterdam and Manchester starting July 2025, marking its entry into the long-haul market and strengthening its position as a key player in global aviation.

The new routes will provide seamless connectivity between India and Europe, catering to the growing demand for travel between the two regions. Manchester will become the only direct link from India to the North of the UK, while Amsterdam will serve as a gateway to the Netherlands and beyond. These destinations will be the latest additions to IndiGo’s rapidly expanding international network, which already spans domestic India and Asia.

IndiGo’s foray into long-haul operations aligns with its vision to transform India into a global aviation hub by 2030. The airline has been steadily building its presence in Europe through codeshare partnerships over the past two years, connecting multiple European cities to India. The introduction of non-stop flights to Amsterdam and Manchester represents a significant step in this journey.

To support its long-haul ambitions, IndiGo has entered into a damp lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways for Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The first aircraft was inducted on March 1, 2025, with three additional planes set to join the fleet later this year. These aircraft will enable IndiGo to establish a foothold in the European market while awaiting the delivery of its Airbus A321 XLR and A350-900 aircraft from 2027 onwards.

Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer of IndiGo, expressed his enthusiasm for the new routes, stating, “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 shares strong ties with both the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, driven by business, tourism, and a large Indian diaspora. These flights will benefit our existing and potential customers, bringing us closer to our vision of making India a global aviation hub.” Elbers also highlighted the historical significance of the Amsterdam route, noting the rich trade and cultural ties between India and the Netherlands. He added, “The United Kingdom is an important market for us, and we’re excited to announce direct flights between India and Manchester.”

IndiGo plans to operate three weekly flights to both Manchester and Amsterdam, subject to operational readiness and regulatory approvals. With the addition of more aircraft from Norse Atlantic Airways later this year, the airline aims to increase frequencies and explore further expansion into other key European markets.