MUMBAI — IndiGo Airlines is making a major leap in its international expansion, announcing the launch of daily non-stop flights between Mumbai (BOM) and London Heathrow (LHR) starting October 26. The new service, operated by Boeing 787-9 aircraft leased from Norse Atlantic Airways, marks a defining step in the carrier’s effort to evolve from a dominant domestic airline into a global competitor.
The new route will make Heathrow IndiGo’s 45th international destination, expanding its growing long-haul portfolio and strengthening connectivity between India and Western Europe. Heathrow, often cited as the world’s most connected airport, serves as a critical hub for Europe and transatlantic routes, offering access to one of the largest global aviation networks.
Strengthening India’s Global Aviation Footprint
The Mumbai–London flight represents IndiGo’s most ambitious long-haul service to date. After solidifying its leadership in India’s domestic market and short-haul international routes, the airline began its foray into long-haul operations earlier this year. In July, IndiGo launched non-stop services from Mumbai to Manchester (MAN) and Amsterdam (AMS), followed by upcoming routes to Copenhagen (CPH) this week and Athens (ATH) in early January.
Until IndiGo’s entry, Air India was the only Indian carrier operating direct flights to the United Kingdom and continental Europe, underscoring the significance of IndiGo’s move into this competitive segment.
According to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers, the new Heathrow route represents both a symbolic and strategic achievement for the airline. “The India–UK corridor continues to see strong demand driven by students, business travel, and the visiting friends and relatives (VFR) segment,” said Elbers. The airline expects the addition of Heathrow to enhance access for Indian travelers while improving inbound connectivity for passengers from the UK and beyond.
Access to the World’s Most Connected Airport
Industry analysts view Heathrow as a major milestone in IndiGo’s internationalization strategy. With one of the world’s most extensive route networks, Heathrow serves as a gateway to key European and transatlantic destinations. IndiGo’s entry will allow travelers from India to seamlessly connect to Western markets while leveraging its domestic and regional coverage across 90+ cities.
Sources familiar with the matter indicate that IndiGo has secured coveted landing slots at Heathrow through an agreement with Virgin Atlantic (VS). The arrangement provides access to one of the most slot-constrained airports globally, a move that underscores IndiGo’s determination to accelerate its long-haul expansion.
Since 2015, IndiGo has added nearly 40 new international destinations, including 20 in just the past three years. Its latest addition to Heathrow strengthens India’s push to become a major global aviation hub by 2030, aligning with the country’s broader civil aviation goals.
Building Partnerships and Expanding Fleet Capabilities
IndiGo’s global growth strategy is bolstered by codeshare partnerships with Delta Air Lines (DL), Virgin Atlantic (VS), and Air France-KLM (AF/KL). These alliances extend IndiGo’s reach across Europe and North America, while also providing valuable insights into passenger demand and route development.
The airline sees significant untapped potential in the international segment. Indian carriers currently handle about 45% of outbound traffic, while foreign airlines continue to dominate routes between India and Europe with nearly 70% market share. IndiGo’s entry into the long-haul market aims to rebalance that equation by offering competitive non-stop alternatives.
To meet the expectations of long-haul travelers, IndiGo has upgraded its onboard experience. The carrier recently introduced complimentary hot meals on Europe and UK routes and debuted its first business class cabin, signaling a shift from its traditional low-cost model. In the long term, IndiGo plans to induct Airbus A321XLR and A350 aircraft to serve extended-range routes, while temporarily operating leased Boeing 787-9s to accelerate market entry.
A Strategic Milestone in IndiGo’s Global Evolution
With the Heathrow launch, IndiGo is taking a calculated step toward becoming a global airline by 2030. The move aligns with its broader “internationalisation strategy,” which emphasizes measured expansion into high-demand markets supported by strong partnerships and operational efficiency.
The airline’s growing international network—now spanning 138 destinations—illustrates its ambition to serve as a bridge between India and the world’s leading business and tourism centers. By adding daily connectivity between Mumbai and London, IndiGo is positioning itself not just as a domestic leader, but as a serious contender in the global aviation industry.
As IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers summarized, “Entering Heathrow represents both a symbolic and strategic achievement.” For India’s largest carrier, it is also a bold declaration that the next phase of growth will be global.
