IndiGo maps out its inaugural Europe route, eyes three key destinations

IndiGo, India’s undisputed leader in terms of domestic air travel is all set to launch new routes to West Europe, way ahead of its plans. The airline was planning to commence long-haul routes to Europe towards 2027, but the airline has fast-forwarded its plans eyeing stiff competition from Air India. During the Christmas—New Year break, it came to light that IndiGo will not wait until 2027 but will move in earlier to launch operations into Western Europe.

The airline is planning to enter the European market with plans to recruit personnel in London, Paris, and Amsterdam and finalising a new wet lease with Norwegian carrier Norse Atlantic. The airline has opened vacancies for the roles of airport manager and chief security manager for the upcoming summer season. As per sources, the roles will be filled by internal candidates. 

The airline has also finalised a deal with Norwegian carrier Norse Atlantic to lease up to six long-haul Boeing 787 aircraft. Of the six, two aircraft are expected to be deployed from February 2025 while the other four might come in by September 2025. With the wet lease agreement, Norse Atlantic will provide the aircraft and the cockpit crew, while IndiGo would market and sell the flights.

Eyeing competition from Air India and to cash-in on the untapped long-haul international route, IndiGo has already placed an order for widebody A350 aircraft last year. 

In November 2024, Norse Atlantic reported to its investors that the airline had tentatively finalised a deal to lease out six of its 787-9 jets, without naming the customer. 

Norse Atlantic’s Boeing 787-9s are configured with 338 seats, including 56 premium and 282 economy seats. 

Until recently, India did not allow extended wet lease arrangements with foreign airlines; however, towards the end of 2024, some regulations were eased to allow wet leasing for up to 18 months instead of the earlier six months. 

Sources have claimed that IndiGo plans to launch long-haul flights to London and Paris and for this the airline is trying to move up its slots with Airbus for the delivery of its ordered A350-900 aircraft.

Thus, armed with six wet-leased planes and three stations IndiGo is set to launch the European routes with London, Paris, and Amsterdam on the radar. Going ahead, it is expected that the airline will soon start building its team or hire a ground handling agency to handle its European operations. 

The launch of these routes will be IndiGo’s first European service allowing the airline to compete with other airlines operating on India-Europe route.