IndiGo doubles Airbus A350 order to 60 aircraft, fueling long-haul growth from 2027

IndiGo has significantly expanded its long-haul ambitions by doubling its Airbus A350 order to 60 aircraft, with deliveries beginning in 2027 and continuing into the early 2030s.

This move is part of IndiGo's strategy to grow its international network, including new non-stop flights to Europe, the US, and Australia. The airline is also leasing six Boeing 787s to support its initial long-haul operations.

CEO Pieter Elbers stated, "IndiGo has embarked on an ambitious journey to become a global airline by 2030." He emphasized that the expanded A350 order converts 30 purchase rights into firm orders, underscoring the airline's commitment to long-haul growth.

IndiGo has formed a strategic alliance with major global carriers Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic to enhance connectivity between India, Europe, and North America. This partnership aims to provide travelers with broader access and seamless journeys across continents.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian said, "This agreement is another example of our commitment to making travel more connected, more inclusive and more accessible."

The A350-900 aircraft, powered by Rolls Royce’s Trent XWB engines, offer a range of about 15,000 kilometers, enabling non-stop flights on ultra long-haul routes such as India-US, India-Europe, and India-Australia.

IndiGo plans to start flights to 10 new overseas cities by March 2026, leveraging its expanded widebody fleet and partnerships to capture a larger share of the growing international travel market.

Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss highlighted the market potential, noting the UK-India market has 4.5 million passengers annually, and the US-India market 7 million.

This fleet expansion and alliance formation position IndiGo to compete more effectively with established Gulf carriers and meet rising demand for international travel from India.

IndiGo has doubled its Airbus A350 order to 60 aircraft, aiming to boost long-haul international growth starting in 2027. The airline plans to expand routes to Europe, the US, and Australia, supported by partnerships with Delta, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic, enhancing connectivity across key global markets.