IndiGo Set to Launch Daily Direct Flights to London Heathrow Amid Major Global Expansion
IndiGo Set to Launch Daily Direct Flights to London Heathrow Amid Major Global Expansion
IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, has announced the launch of daily direct flights to London Heathrow starting October 26, 2025, marking a significant milestone in its international growth journey. The new route will be operated using leased Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, further strengthening IndiGo’s presence in the long-haul travel segment.
The announcement coincides with the airline’s 19th anniversary, a moment that reflects not only its consistent growth but also its ambitions to become a dominant player in global aviation. The new London service is part of a broader international expansion strategy, which includes new routes, fleet enhancements, and increased investments in maintenance and infrastructure.
Widening Horizons: IndiGo’s Long-Haul Ambitions
As part of its international expansion, IndiGo will induct five additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners within the current financial year. These aircraft will support the airline’s evolving long-haul network and enable more non-stop routes to strategic global destinations.
Additionally, IndiGo is set to introduce its business-class offering, IndiGoStretch, on select international routes. Beginning August 9, 2025, the airline will operate two-class A321 aircraft between Delhi and Singapore and Mumbai and Singapore, featuring enhanced comfort for premium travelers. IndiGoStretch will also be rolled out on the Delhi-Dubai route from August 30, and on the Mumbai-Dubai route starting September 3, 2025.
Industry Recognition and Customer Loyalty
IndiGo’s expansion comes on the heels of global recognition at the 2025 World Airline Awards by Skytrax, where the airline was honored as the “Best Airline in India and South Asia” and the “Cleanest Airline in India and South Asia.”
Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer at IndiGo, commented on the airline’s milestone: “As we celebrate IndiGo’s 19th anniversary, we are immensely proud of the journey we have had so far and equally excited about the way ahead. The love and support of millions of our customers, coupled with the shared passion and drive of more than 66,000 IndiGo employees, has fueled our flight towards new heights and across new frontiers. Today, we are delighted to announce our next strides in international markets, especially our daily, direct flights to London Heathrow. Looking ahead, we are hopeful to continue winning hearts and accolades in India as well as globally, as we expand our operations across the globe, one airport at a time,”
A Growing Global Footprint
IndiGo now operates a fleet of over 430 aircraft, connecting more than 90 domestic and 40 international destinations. In recent months, the airline began direct flights from Mumbai to Manchester and Amsterdam, expanding its European footprint.
The airline has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic, aimed at improving connectivity between India, Europe, and North America.
Further strengthening its reach in the Asia-Pacific region, IndiGo expanded its codeshare network with Jetstar, offering travelers access to 14 destinations across Australia and New Zealand. Its deepened cooperation with KLM and Japan Airlines is expected to provide reciprocal loyalty benefits and smoother international connections.
Fleet Expansion and Strategic Orders
IndiGo has recently converted purchase rights for 30 Airbus A350 aircraft into a firm order, increasing its wide-body order book to 60 aircraft. These additions are aligned with the airline’s vision to scale its international operations and offer long-haul connectivity to newer markets.
Upcoming destinations in IndiGo’s pipeline include Copenhagen, Athens, and Siem Reap, alongside the introduction of four Central Asian destinations by FY26. The airline aims to significantly diversify its global portfolio while maintaining a strong presence in its core domestic market.
Domestic Expansion and MRO Focus
On the domestic front, IndiGo continues to grow its network, having recently added Adampur (Punjab) and Hindon (Uttar Pradesh) to its operational map. The airline also plans to launch 18 daily flights from the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, further boosting regional connectivity.
IndiGo has signed an MoU with Bangalore International Airport Ltd. to establish maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) infrastructure in Bengaluru, supporting operational efficiency and the airline’s long-term technical requirements.
Youngest Fleet, Strongest Outlook
With an average fleet age of 4.9 years, IndiGo has been recognized by ch-aviation as operating the “World’s Youngest Aircraft Fleet” in the 100+ aircraft category. The airline also maintains top ranks in on-time performance, according to DGCA data.
Looking ahead, IndiGo is aiming to increase its international capacity share from 28% to 40% by FY30, backed by the induction of long-range A321 XLR aircraft expected this fiscal year, and A350-900s by 2027.
Pieter Elbers reiterated the airline’s global ambitions: “We will continue to add more destinations internationally, especially with XLRs coming in along with our newly leased wide body aircraft for long haul operations. From 28 per cent current international capacity share, we are aiming for 40 per cent by FY 2030,”
Future-Ready Amid Challenges
Despite challenges such as fuel price volatility and aircraft groundings, IndiGo remains optimistic. It plans to continue mitigating risks through fleet diversification, strategic leasing agreements, and enhanced OEM partnerships.
With its strategic mix of global expansion, premium product offerings, and fleet modernization, IndiGo is positioning itself as not just India’s leading airline—but a formidable player in global aviation. As it enters its 20th year, the airline shows no signs of slowing down.
Daily direct flights to London Heathrow are just the beginning—IndiGo’s sky has no limits.
