As 2025 comes to a close, we take a look at IndiGo and their inaugurated approach to long-haul flights.
Despite constraints that have been ongoing throughout this year, the carrier has been able to make these flights a reality.
It has very much been a new story for the airline in 2025, with this expected to continue into 2026.
Below is the detailed story of the carrier’s foray into the long-haul market.
We will also talk about what will be coming next for the Indian carrier moving forward.
The Long Haul Story for IndiGo in 2025…
IndiGo started it’s journey for long-haul operations properly back in February 2025, when they signed a deal with Norse Atlantic Airways for a damp lease of one Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
This initial deal was made to be extended for 18 months.
This was so then they could wait for delivery of their first Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which is due to take place in 2027.
By May, this then expanded to a damp lease of two more Dreamliners from the Norwegian carrier as well.
Such deals with Norse Atlantic Airways meant that they could launch services such as:
Such a surge in long-haul connectivity has been thanks to a partnership signed with Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic to connect India further with Europe.
The surge in demand for international travel on the IndiGo network resulted in the carrier doubling their firm order of Airbus A350-900 aircraft from 30 to 60, with purchase rights for an additional 70 on top. Clearly, they see the demand there.
Their long-haul network then bolstered over the Summer through the increase in weekly flights between Mumbai and Amsterdam and Manchester from four weekly flights to six.
Not too long after that, it was decided that flights from Delhi to Manchester would be increased as well.
So it is clear with this in mind that IndiGo has had a very solid year on the long-haul stage.
And this momentum looks set to continue on into the New Year as well.
Going into the New Year and Beyond…
The long-haul growth doesn’t stop there for IndiGo. 2026 looks to be starting things on an exciting footing.
Mumbai to athens!…
Back in October, the Indian carrier revealed that they will operate flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Athens.
This would be using their first Airbus A321XLR aircraft.
It is understood that these flights will launch on January 23 and 24, 2026 respectively. Scheduling is as follows for these services:
Pieter Elbers, the CEO of IndiGo, said the following at the time of the announcement:
“We are excited to announce our flights to Athens from Mumbai and Delhi on India’s first Airbus A321XLR.”
“This momentous development marks the beginning of a new era for IndiGo’s long-range narrow body operations, making us the only Indian carrier offering direct connectivity between India and Greece.”
“We are confident that these new routes will play a vital role in strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two ancient civilisations.”
“As outbound travel from India continues to expand, Athens is emerging as a key European destination for leisure, MICE, and wedding tourism.”
“This direct connection will also unlock substantial potential for more bilateral engagements.”
“With the induction of the A321XLR aircraft into our fleet, IndiGo will increasingly be able to operate deeper into Europe while maintaining the cost efficiency and operational reliability that have long defined our service.”
Delhi to London!…
On top of this, the carrier announced on Christmas Eve that they would be operating flights between Delhi and London Heathrow from February 2, 2026.
This will utilise the already established damp leasing relationship with Norse Atlantic Airways, with the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner operating this flight.
Scheduling for this service is as follows:
Elbers also commented on this announcement, saying:
“We are pleased to introduce direct flights between Delhi and London, offering more travel options between India and the United Kingdom.”
“This follows the recent launch of our direct flights from Mumbai to London, and service from Delhi and Mumbai to Manchester.”
“This new service is expected to support the growing demand for travel between
the two cities for commerce, tourism, and visiting family and friends”.
“IndiGo is committed to making international travel seamless and more accessible, while strengthening connectivity between India and key global destinations.”
It is clear that this momentum so far that the airline has been having with long-haul flights will continue.
Especially into 2026.
Overall: These Flights Are Working for The Airline…
It is evidently clear in this case that IndiGo and their relationship with long-haul flights has started to blossom.
The only problem with this so far is them having to rely heavily on damp leasing.
This is being utilised while they await their brand new Airbus A321XLR and A350-900 aircraft.
However, they have been able to make things work quite well.
They have already established a strong presence into Europe and Asia in just 12 months of work.
This is quite impressive.
As more of the A321XLR and A350-900 aircraft are delivered, you will begin to see further what IndiGo is trying to offer at a rapid scale: Low-cost, long-haul travel, connecting India further to the rest of the world.
The possibilities will be endless through these two aircraft types, given the different range profiles that they can offer.
For this to succeed more, it is all about choosing the correct markets with the highest but also right type of demand to ensure that they can fill their aircraft on a daily basis.
But for now, things are working well for the airline, and all eyes will turn to 2026 to see how this momentum will continue.
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