MUMBAI— India’s largest LCC IndiGo Airlines (6E) is preparing for its largest-ever long-haul expansion as new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners arrive in phases. The airline will strengthen routes from Mumbai (BOM) and Delhi (DEL) into Europe, including new services to London Heathrow (LHR) and Copenhagen (CPH), Ravreet Singh, an Indian aviation analyst and consultant, reported.
The strategy will see Amsterdam (AMS) positioned as a core hub, while Manchester (MAN), Copenhagen (CPH), and London Heathrow (LHR) create a balanced mix of high-demand and niche routes. Each network move is tied to the delivery of an additional 787 aircraft.
Photo: AeroConceptsIndiGo New European Destinations
IndiGo currently operates one wet-leased Boeing 787-9 on long-haul services from Mumbai (BOM) to Manchester (MAN) and Amsterdam (AMS), each three times weekly. This marks the foundation of its widebody operations and a cautious entry into Europe.
With the second 787 arriving in September 2025, capacity will rise as Mumbai–Amsterdam increases to six times per week and Mumbai–Manchester to four times.
The third aircraft, expected in October, will launch Mumbai–Copenhagen at three times weekly and boost Amsterdam to daily service.
The turning point comes mid-October 2025, when the fourth Dreamliner joins the fleet. IndiGo plans to introduce daily flights from Delhi (DEL) to London Heathrow (LHR) and three times weekly services to Amsterdam. At the same time, Mumbai–Amsterdam will scale back to four weekly flights, says Mr. Singh.
By November 2025, a fifth Dreamliner will allow Delhi to add Copenhagen (three times weekly) and Manchester (three times weekly), while increasing Amsterdam to four flights per week.
Looking further ahead, the sixth and final aircraft in this batch will arrive in January 2026. It is initially expected to serve leisure destinations from India, including Phuket (HKT) and Bali (DPS), before transitioning to Europe.
Photo: By Cjh1452000 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16245498Amsterdam as the Core Gateway
Ravreet highlights that Amsterdam (AMS) has been selected as the central European hub for IndiGo’s long-haul network. Its strategic location and connectivity through partner airlines such as KLM and Virgin Atlantic provide seamless options across Europe and North America.
Manchester (MAN) and Copenhagen (CPH) are viewed as niche yet promising routes, serving point-to-point demand while offering connections through airline partnerships.
London Heathrow (LHR), meanwhile, marks IndiGo’s entry into one of the world’s most competitive and premium markets, positioning the airline directly against established full-service carriers.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalStrategic Growth Without Overstretching
Ravreet Singh’s analysis revealed that IndiGo’s approach is notable for its measured pace. Each aircraft delivery is aligned with specific market launches, allowing the airline to gather data and adjust capacity without oversaturating new markets. This sequencing also ensures flexibility if demand patterns shift.
By early 2026, IndiGo’s Boeing 787-9 network from Mumbai (BOM) and Delhi (DEL) will include Amsterdam, Manchester, Copenhagen, and London Heathrow.
Secondary additions to leisure destinations like Phuket (HKT) and Bali (DPS) will add seasonal variety.
Photo: EurospotOperational Challenges Ahead
One potential challenge for IndiGo is westbound routing efficiency. The airline’s planned Delhi departures to Europe could benefit significantly if Pakistan reopens its airspace to Indian carriers by late 2025.
Current detours add time and fuel burn, impacting both costs and passenger convenience.
Regulatory clearances, airport slots, and bilateral agreements remain other crucial dependencies, but the phased rollout indicates IndiGo’s readiness to adapt as conditions evolve.
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IndiGo Adds More Flights to its New Long-Haul Destinations with 787s
The post IndiGo to Launch Two New European Destinations with Boeing 787 appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
