India’s largest carrier, IndiGo, is set to strengthen its international footprint from Delhi, launching new flights to Manchester, Bali, and Krabi. The move follows its long-haul debut from Mumbai earlier this year and positions Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport as a key hub for intercontinental operations. Scheduled to begin on October 24, 26, and November 15 respectively, the services aim to meet growing demand for international travel while supporting seamless domestic-international connectivity.
The airline will operate non-stop Delhi-Manchester and Delhi-Krabi flights four days a week, while Delhi-Bali will include a refuelling stop in Bhubaneswar, operating daily. The Manchester route will deploy damp-leased Boeing 787-9 aircraft, whereas the Bali and Krabi services will use Airbus A320 family jets. Enhanced frequencies on the Delhi-Bangkok route will employ A321 aircraft with the airline’s “stretch” business class cabin, offering a premium travel experience. On the domestic front, IndiGo will expand its Delhi services from October 26, introducing ten new daily non-stop flights to Rajkot, Vadodara, Patna, Goa, Shirdi, Nagpur, Nashik, Jabalpur, Raipur, and Purnea. These additions will complement the airline’s extensive network, which already connects Delhi to 21 international and 74 domestic destinations with over 1,700 weekly departures.
Officials said the expansion reflects IndiGo’s broader internationalisation strategy, which has prioritised South-East Asia, Europe, and Central Asia. By linking Delhi directly to new destinations such as Manchester, the airline aims to provide convenient one-stop connectivity between the UK and India while promoting India’s role as a global aviation hub. Analysts note that the development aligns with India’s ambition to strengthen air connectivity and tourism while reducing reliance on overflying restricted airspace, which had previously limited Delhi-based long-haul operations. Industry experts also highlight the strategic choice of aircraft. Deploying fuel-efficient Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A321XLR aircraft for longer routes demonstrates IndiGo’s commitment to sustainable operations, balancing growth with environmental responsibility. The airline’s expanded frequencies and network depth are expected to boost passenger convenience, particularly for business and leisure travellers seeking direct access to European and South-East Asian markets.
The long-haul expansion builds on IndiGo’s successful Mumbai debut earlier this year, with services to Manchester and Amsterdam, and a planned Copenhagen route. With a market share exceeding 60 per cent in India, the carrier continues to leverage its domestic dominance to strengthen international operations. Experts predict that the Delhi hub expansion will not only reinforce the airline’s competitive edge but also support India’s broader connectivity objectives, contributing to sustainable and equitable access to air travel across regions. As IndiGo continues scaling its network, officials emphasised that Delhi will remain central to its international ambitions, supporting both domestic connectivity and global travel demand. The airline’s expansion strategy is expected to catalyse further economic activity, boost tourism, and provide efficient travel options aligned with sustainable aviation practices.
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