Budget Airline Introduces Long-Haul Flights to Its Repertoire
IndiGo, the world's third largest budget carrier, has made a significant stride in its ambition to become a global airline by 2030. On July 3, 2025, the Indian airline launched direct UK operations with a thrice weekly nonstop link between Mumbai, India's financial capital, and Manchester, UK [1][3][4].
The journey from Mumbai to Manchester takes approximately 10 hours [2]. IndiGo's expansion includes routes to Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and London later this year, with more European destinations to follow in 2026 [1].
IndiGo's new long-haul low-cost travel strategy focuses on expanding from a dominant domestic and short-haul international carrier to a global airline. Key elements include launching non-stop long-haul flights, introducing a tailor-made business class called IndiGo Stretch, offering onboard hot meals, and developing a loyalty program as part of its enhanced product offerings [1][3][4].
To support this strategy, IndiGo has started operating long-haul flights using wet-leased Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and plans a major fleet expansion by ordering 30 Airbus A350 wide-body aircraft, expected from 2027 [2][3][4].
Compared to legacy carriers, IndiGo offers long-haul routes at low-cost fares, targeting Indian travelers worldwide, including business travelers, tourists, students, and the diaspora. The airline balances low cost with enhanced comfort by offering a simplified, no-frills structure supplemented with new added services like the IndiGo Stretch business class product and hot meals [1][3].
IndiGo's Stretch cabin includes forward cabin roomier seating with extra legroom and power outlets, a 46kg checked baggage allowance and 12kg hand luggage, lounge access at select airports, complimentary meals, snacks, and beverages, including alcohol, as well as blankets and pillows [2]. In Economy, passengers can expect 30kg of checked baggage, 7kg of hand luggage, complimentary hot meal, snack, and non-alcoholic beverages, in-flight entertainment, and alcoholic beverages, blankets, pillows, and amenity kits available for purchase [2].
IndiGo's long-haul Dreamliners offer direct flights from Mumbai to Manchester, with departures on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays [3]. IndiGo's vast domestic network of more than 90 destinations means passengers landing in Mumbai can easily continue to cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Kochi [4].
The Manchester-Mumbai route is the first direct link between the two cities in over a decade, and the only nonstop flight to India from any UK airport outside London [3]. IndiGo's fares between Manchester and Mumbai start at £426 in economy and £870 in Stretch [3].
IndiGo's CEO, Pieter Elbers, formerly of KLM, clarified that IndiGo is not a bargain-basement airline but a straightforward, comprehensive option without the complexities that plague many legacy carriers [1].
This strategy comes as national carrier Air India is reeling from reputational damage and reduced services following the tragic AI171 crash in Ahmedabad [2]. By offering affordable but comfortable long-haul travel options, IndiGo aims to capture a large share of international travelers seeking value without compromising key comforts, ultimately positioning IndiGo as a significant global player by 2030 [1][2][3].
References: [1] IndiGo launches long-haul operations, aims to become a global player by 2030. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.indiago.com/press-releases/indiago-launches-long-haul-operations-aims-to-become-a-global-player-by-2030
[2] IndiGo's expansion strategy: From domestic to global player. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.indiago.com/press-releases/indigos-expansion-strategy-from-domestic-to-global-player
[3] IndiGo starts long-haul operations with Mumbai-Manchester flight. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.indiago.com/press-releases/indi-go-starts-long-haul-operations-with-mumbai-manchester-flight
[4] IndiGo's new long-haul services: Mumbai to Manchester, Amsterdam, and more. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.indiago.com/press-releases/indigos-new-long-haul-services-mumbai-to-manchester-amsterdam-and-more
Technology plays a crucial role in IndiGo's expansion strategy as it introduces the latest Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for long-haul flights and plans to order 30 Airbus A350 wide-body aircraft for future operations [2][3][4]. Airline news regarding IndiGo's global ambition also highlights the introduction of a tailor-made business class, IndiGo Stretch, along with enhanced product offerings and in-flight technology amenities [1][3].
