GURUGRAM— IndiGo Airlines (6E), India’s largest LCC, plans to significantly expand its international footprint and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) operations, as outlined in its FY 2024–25 annual report.
With the plans to introduce Airbus A321XLRs in FY26 and lease Boeing 787 Dreamliners, the airline aims to boost international capacity to 40% by FY 2030.
The expansion comes as IndiGo recently launched new services to Manchester (MAN) and Amsterdam (AMS) from Delhi (DEL), marking its first direct entry into the UK and Europe.
At the same time, the airline is developing an MRO hub in Bengaluru (BLR) to support growing operational scale and demand.
Photo: IndiGo IndiGo Charts Bold Global Expansion Path
IndiGo (6E) is doubling down on its ambition to become a global aviation player. Currently serving over 130 destinations with more than 2,200 daily flights, the airline is preparing to welcome the long-range Airbus A321XLR to its fleet by FY 2026 and the Airbus A350-900 widebody by 2027.
These additions, alongside existing damp-leased Boeing 787 Dreamliners from Norse Atlantic (N0), will support long-haul services to new international markets.
CEO Pieter Elbers confirmed the international expansion strategy in the airline’s FY 2025 annual report, stating that IndiGo’s current international capacity share of 28% is projected to rise to 40% by the end of this decade.
The move aligns with IndiGo’s long-term vision, “Towards New Heights and Across New Frontiers,” which focuses on scaling international connectivity and transforming into a global brand.
The airline’s first Dreamliner is already operating on the Delhi (DEL) – Bangkok (BKK) route, with services to Manchester (MAN) and Amsterdam (AMS) commencing in July 2025.
These routes represent a shift in IndiGo’s traditionally domestic-centric strategy toward long-haul and premium international markets.
Photo: Yohan DiasInvestment in MRO Infrastructure
To complement its expanding network, IndiGo is bolstering its maintenance capacity. A new MRO facility in Bengaluru (BLR) is under development, designed to support the airline’s fast-growing and diverse fleet. This strategic move comes as India scales up its aviation infrastructure to support domestic and international traffic growth.
The MRO initiative is part of IndiGo’s broader “Develop” strategy pillar, focusing on operational efficiency, digital transformation, and sustainability.
The airline has already modernized key operational systems, introduced AI-driven support tools like “6Eskai,” and migrated core infrastructure to the cloud.
Despite global challenges such as aircraft groundings (AOG) and fuel price volatility, IndiGo has maintained high levels of operational performance and customer satisfaction, with a 1.03% cancellation rate and a Net Promoter Score (NPS) leading the industry.
Photo: Siddh Dhuri | MumbaiPlanesFinancial Strength and Market Leadership
IndiGo reported a record-breaking FY 2025, crossing $10 billion in annual revenue—joining a select group of only 20 global airlines with this milestone.
The carrier achieved a 13% year-on-year capacity growth, welcomed over 118 million passengers, and posted a net profit of ₹73 billion.
With a domestic market share of 64.5%, IndiGo is India’s most preferred airline and now ranks as the world’s seventh-largest carrier by daily departures.
The airline’s extensive domestic reach is reflected in its presence at over 91 Indian airports and connections to 90% of the country’s population within 100 km of an IndiGo-served airport.
Photo: Siddh Dhuri | MumbaiPlanesSustainability and Corporate Responsibility
IndiGo continues to be among the lowest CO₂-emitting airlines globally, with 78% of its fleet consisting of next-generation aircraft.
The average fleet age stands at just 4.9 years. Between FY 2016 and FY 2025, IndiGo achieved a 17.3% reduction in CO₂ emissions per available seat kilometer (ASK).
Additionally, the airline’s CSR arm, IndiGoReach, remains active in areas such as skill development, heritage conservation, and environmental sustainability. Over 1.8 lakh saplings were planted in FY 2025, and over 70,000 kg of waste was recycled at Indore (IDR) Airport under the Zero Waste Initiative.
Ribbon-cutting ceremony at Mumbai Airport | Photo: IndiGoForward Outlook
Looking ahead, IndiGo aims to deepen international partnerships. It has recently signed an MoU with Airbus for 30 more A350-900 aircraft—doubling its widebody order to 60.
The airline has also announced a multi-partner alliance with Delta Air Lines (DL), Air France-KLM (AF/KL), and Virgin Atlantic (VS), enabling greater global connectivity through codeshares.
The airline’s long-term goal is to become a billion-passenger airline by 2029, supported by network expansion, product innovation, and investments in talent and infrastructure.
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IndiGo Plans Strong Mumbai Hub For New Europe Flights
The post IndiGo to Expand Global Reach with A321XLRs, New MRO Plan appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
