Sun Feb 02 08:20:00 UTC 2025: ## IndiGo Poised to Shake Up India-Europe Air Travel with Ambitious Long-Haul Plans

**NEW DELHI** – Budget airline IndiGo is preparing to make a significant splash in the long-haul international market, setting its sights on key European hubs including Amsterdam, London, and Paris. The airline plans to launch flights as early as 2025, initially using wet-leased Boeing 787 aircraft from Norse Atlantic Airways before its own Airbus A350s arrive in 2027.

IndiGo has already applied for slots at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, aiming for daily flights from both Mumbai and Delhi. CEO Peter Elbers confirmed Amsterdam’s appeal, citing the large Indian community and business ties. Market data supports the move, showing substantial passenger traffic between Amsterdam and both Delhi and Mumbai.

This expansion poses a considerable challenge to existing carriers. KLM currently enjoys a near-monopoly on flights between India and the Netherlands, while Air India, despite its recent merger with Vistara and significant aircraft orders, could face increased competition. The overall India-Europe market, already bustling with over 12,300 scheduled flights annually (excluding IndiGo’s potential contribution), is set for a major shake-up. IndiGo’s low-fare model and extensive domestic network give it a strong competitive advantage.

While the precise details of IndiGo’s European expansion remain subject to regulatory approvals, the airline’s ambition is clear. The move marks a significant step for the carrier and signals a potential reshaping of air travel between India and Europe in the coming years. The impact on established players like Air India and KLM, as well as other European airlines, is likely to be substantial.

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