Gurgaon – IndiGo (6E), India’s largest airline, is gearing up for a major expansion into Europe as part of its long-haul strategy. The airline has applied for daily flight slots at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (AMS) from Mumbai (BOM) and Delhi (DEL) for the upcoming summer schedule. This expansion reflects IndiGo’s ambitions to capture a bigger share of the India-Europe traffic and strengthen its presence on international routes.
IndiGo’s Slot Applications for Amsterdam
IndiGo is aggressively pursuing opportunities to operate daily flights from Mumbai and Delhi to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Amsterdam, being a major European hub, fits into IndiGo’s long-term plans to expand its international network and cater to growing demand for India-Europe travel.
In preparation for the expansion, the airline is not only focusing on acquiring key airport slots but is also strengthening its management team and sales operations, particularly for cargo services.
Strengthening the Management Team
IndiGo has made several strategic appointments to oversee its European operations:
- Mark Sutch, formerly Chief Commercial Officer (Cargo), has been given the additional role of leading international development.
- Liesbeth Oudkerk, a former executive with Qatar Airways, has been appointed as the regional head for Europe.
- The airline is recruiting managers for key European cities, including London, Paris, and Amsterdam, to ensure a smooth expansion.
This leadership reshuffle is part of IndiGo’s efforts to build a strong foundation for long-haul operations and future route expansions.
Fleet Expansion to Support Long-Haul Routes
To operate long-haul flights efficiently, IndiGo is strategically expanding its fleet:
- The airline is set to receive Airbus A321XLR aircraft later this year, which will allow it to cover medium and long-haul routes more economically.
- Starting in 2027, IndiGo will also receive Airbus A350s, which are capable of operating long-haul and ultra-long-haul flights.
- In the short term, the airline will wet lease six Boeing 787 Dreamliners from Norse Atlantic Airways, with the first two aircraft expected to arrive in March 2025.
Initially, the Boeing 787s may operate on shorter international routes, such as Bangkok (BKK) and Singapore (SIN), before being deployed on European routes like Amsterdam and Paris.
IndiGo’s Strategy to Compete in Europe
IndiGo faces intense competition on India-Europe routes, with established players like Air India (AI), Emirates (EK), and Etihad Airways (EY) already dominating the market. Popular European destinations for Indian travelers include London, Paris, Frankfurt, Istanbul, and Amsterdam.
Currently, IndiGo holds around 6% of the market share on European routes. To expand further, the airline has been leveraging its codeshare agreement with Turkish Airlines (TK), which allows it to sell tickets to over 30 European destinations via Istanbul.
Expanding Partnerships
Aviation analysts believe that IndiGo could further enhance its partnerships with Air France-KLM (FR) and Virgin Atlantic (VS) to gain better access to European markets:
- Air France-KLM already has a commercial partnership with IndiGo, providing connectivity to 30 Indian cities.
- By deepening this relationship, IndiGo could secure additional airport slots and benefit from passenger and cargo connections in Europe.
- Analysts point to the previous success of Jet Airways, which had a strong partnership with Air France-KLM, as a model IndiGo may replicate.
Challenges in Securing Amsterdam Slots
IndiGo’s expansion plans face potential roadblocks due to regulatory constraints at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS). The Dutch government has proposed reducing the airport’s flight operations, which could limit the availability of new slots for carriers like IndiGo.
The airline is currently in discussions with local authorities to overcome these challenges. In case securing slots at Amsterdam proves difficult, IndiGo is exploring alternative European destinations.
Potential alternatives may include cities like Frankfurt, Paris, or Brussels, which are also key hubs for Indian travelers and could serve as strategic entry points into the European market.
IndiGo’s Competitive Edge
Despite the challenges, IndiGo has several advantages that can help it succeed in Europe:
- Cost efficiency: As a low-cost carrier, IndiGo can offer competitive fares compared to full-service airlines like Air India and Emirates.
- Expanding fleet capabilities: With new long-range aircraft like the Airbus A321XLR and A350, IndiGo will be better positioned to serve long-haul markets while keeping costs low.
- Strategic partnerships: Its existing and potential codeshare agreements will provide seamless connectivity for passengers traveling between India and Europe.
IndiGo’s European Expansion Signals Growth
IndiGo’s push into the European market is a key step in its evolution from a primarily domestic carrier to a global player. By expanding its fleet, strengthening partnerships, and building a strong management team, the airline is well-positioned to compete on long-haul routes.
However, success will depend on securing key airport slots and navigating regulatory challenges. With the potential for increased demand and expanded connectivity through strategic partnerships, IndiGo’s European expansion could redefine its role in the international aviation sector, offering Indian travelers more options for affordable long-haul travel.
