IndiGo, India’s aviation titan, is setting its sights on a fresh phase of international growth, targeting both hidden gems and popular hotspots. CEO Pieter Elbers revealed on Monday that the budget airline, fresh off its Central Asian success, is ready to expand further. Last year, IndiGo ventured into cities like Baku, Almaty, Tashkent, and Tbilisi, tapping into destinations with little competition. With an increasing number of Indians eager to explore the world and the airline gearing up to receive its Airbus A321XLR next year, Elbers shared grand plans during an interview in Dubai.
“With the growing desire and aspirations of Indians to fly international, I think we have a great opportunity for also the more unknown places,” Elbers remarked at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) annual meet. While destinations like Singapore, Dubai, and Phuket remain highly sought after, Elbers is eyeing the next layer of exotic locales, particularly in Thailand and Central Asia.
The upcoming Airbus A321XLRs will enable IndiGo to venture into parts of Europe and further into Asia. The airline, which posted a record profit nearing $1 billion for the financial year 2023-2024, is not just spreading its wings internationally but is also strengthening its hold within India. Currently flying to 88 Indian cities, IndiGo has doubled its global network to 33 destinations from just 15 two years ago. This year, it plans to add 10 new domestic and international routes.
IndiGo’s strategic alliance with Turkish Airlines allows it to connect passengers to numerous European cities, and its recent order of 30 Airbus A350 wide-body planes hints at ambitions as far-reaching as the United States and Australia.
In a bid to attract more affluent passengers, IndiGo is introducing business class on some domestic flights by the end of the year, though details on specific routes and pricing remain under wraps.
As IndiGo gears up for this next chapter, it’s clear the airline is not just about reaching new heights but also about uncovering new horizons, promising exciting adventures for Indian travelers.
(Source: Reuters)
