IndiGo Expands: Amsterdam, Manchester Routes
Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo is set to broaden its international footprint with its first direct services to Western Europe. On March 6, 2025, the airline announced that it has selected Amsterdam (AMS) and Manchester (MAN) as its inaugural destinations in the region. Both routes are scheduled to launch in July 2025, pending regulatory approval, marking a major milestone in IndiGo’s ambitious expansion plans.
The new routes will be operated thrice weekly using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners damp-leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. Damp lease agreements provide not only the aircraft but also include pilots and maintenance services for a specified period. This arrangement is particularly beneficial for airlines like IndiGo that need to quickly fill capacity gaps and expand their route network without the immediate capital outlay for new aircraft.
The induction of the first damp-leased Dreamliner occurred on March 1, 2025, when IndiGo deployed the aircraft on its busy Delhi (DEL) to Bangkok (BKK) route. The airline has already planned for three additional Boeing 787-9 aircraft to join its fleet before the end of 2025, further reinforcing its commitment to enhancing long-haul capabilities.
While the launch of the Amsterdam route was widely anticipated, the addition of Manchester came as a surprise to industry observers. Manchester was not originally included among the airports where IndiGo had initiated recruitment for station managers. In January 2025, internal processes were reported to be underway for staffing key European hubs including London-Heathrow (LHR), Paris-Charles De Gaulle (CDG), and Amsterdam-Schiphol (AMS). With the introduction of the Manchester service, IndiGo will become the sole airline providing a nonstop link between India and the north of England, a move that is expected to boost connectivity and passenger choice significantly.
Prior to these announcements, IndiGo’s presence in Europe was limited to its Istanbul (IST) service, which is operated in partnership with Turkish Airlines. That service, featuring two wet-leased Boeing 777 aircraft from Turkish Airlines, has allowed IndiGo passengers to connect with an extensive European network through codeshare agreements. The move into Western Europe is a clear signal that IndiGo is determined to evolve its international operations and capture a larger share of the lucrative European market.
Looking ahead, IndiGo plans to further expand its European network. The airline has placed substantial orders for new-generation aircraft, including 30 Airbus A350-900 widebodies and 69 Airbus A321XLR narrowbodies. The A321XLR, with its extended range and improved fuel efficiency, will enable IndiGo to offer nonstop services to smaller European cities that were previously unserved. This strategic fleet modernization will not only increase route flexibility but also improve operational efficiency, ensuring that IndiGo remains competitive in an increasingly dynamic global market.
IndiGo’s move into Western Europe underscores its strategy of leveraging modern aircraft and flexible leasing arrangements to accelerate growth. By introducing new long-haul routes operated on state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, the airline is set to offer enhanced travel options and convenience to millions of passengers. As regulatory approvals are finalized and additional aircraft join the fleet, IndiGo’s European ambitions are expected to play a crucial role in its continued expansion, reinforcing its status as one of India’s leading low-cost carriers in the international arena.
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