Interglobe Aviation 's IndiGo is advancing to the next phase of its strategy to become a major global airline after a year of accelerated network expansion, Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers announced. The airline has made significant progress across multiple strategic areas including customer growth, product development, network expansion, cargo operations, and maintenance services.

Customer Growth and Operations Scale

IndiGo expects to close the year with over 12.30 crore customers, marking an addition of over one crore customers compared to the previous year. The airline currently operates over 2,200 flights per day, serving more than 10 lakh customers every three days.

International Network Expansion

During the year, IndiGo launched 10 new international destinations and 30 new international routes as part of its global expansion strategy. The airline is set to launch non-stop services to Athens starting January 23, which will mark the international debut of India's first narrow-body Airbus A321XLR aircraft.

Domestic Network Growth

IndiGo commenced operations as the launch carrier at Navi Mumbai International Airport and expanded to new airports in Purnea and Rewa. The airline added several destinations to its domestic network including Hindon, Adampur (Jalandhar), Kishangarh, and Bikaner. IndiGo is also preparing to commence operations from Noida International Airport (Jewar) in due course.

Operational Challenges and Recovery

Addressing the early-December operational disruptions, IndiGo acknowledged the industry-wide challenges that impacted customers, for which the airline has apologized. The company stated it rapidly restored its network and operations to normal while focusing on strengthening operational processes and resilience. IndiGo is fully collaborating with regulatory authorities and providing requested information to the regulator's committee.

Strategic Outlook

CEO Pieter Elbers emphasized that IndiGo has progressed across multiple strategic pillars including customers, product development, domestic and international networks, cargo operations, and MRO services under government guidance. He noted that the airline's renewed focus will drive further scale, innovation, and impact across new frontiers while keeping customers at the center of all operations.

Interglobe Aviation 's IndiGo has officially opened applications for experienced pilots to join its expanding Airbus A320 fleet. The airline is specifically seeking Captains and Senior First Officers as part of a strategic recruitment initiative following a period of operational recalibration.

Recruitment Drive Details

The hiring campaign targets experienced Airbus-rated pilots who hold a valid Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). This recruitment drive comes as the carrier works to comply with new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms mandated by the DGCA by February, designed to reduce pilot fatigue.

Application Requirements

IndiGo's online application form requests comprehensive details from candidates, including current license type, aircraft currently flying, total flight hours, and specific A320 family experience. The airline is particularly interested in candidates' total hours flown on A320 family aircraft, both as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) and First Officer, along with their last flight date on A320 family aircraft and current location.

Enhanced Pilot Allowances

Effective from January 1st, IndiGo has increased pilot allowances by up to ₹2,000 across various categories. The revised allowance structure demonstrates the airline's commitment to improving pilot compensation.

Strategic Expansion Goals

This recruitment initiative supports IndiGo's aggressive scaling of operations to maintain its 60% domestic market share and fulfill its massive aircraft order pipeline for 2026 and beyond. The airline aims to significantly increase its cockpit crew ranks to ensure stable flight schedules and minimize operational disruptions while transitioning to the next phase of becoming a major global airline.