Interglobe Aviation , operating as IndiGo, India's leading airline, is set to strengthen its international presence with the launch of daily non-stop flights between Delhi and Guangzhou, starting November 10, 2025. This move marks a significant step in restoring air connectivity between India and China, which had been suspended for five years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and border tensions.

Flight Details

The new route will be serviced by IndiGo's A320neo aircraft, offering the following schedule:

Strategic Expansion

This announcement follows IndiGo's recent resumption of the Kolkata-Guangzhou service, further solidifying the airline's commitment to rebuilding India-China air links. The new Delhi-Guangzhou route will:

• Connect Delhi to 21 international destinations
• Provide Chinese travelers access to IndiGo's extensive domestic network of over 90 destinations

Market Significance

The resumption of direct flights between India and China is particularly noteworthy, given the context of their suspension in 2020. Initially halted due to the pandemic, the suspension was prolonged by border tensions following a 2020 Himalayan clash that resulted in casualties on both sides.

Management's Perspective

IndiGo's CEO, Pieter Elbers, emphasized the importance of this new route, stating that it will "strengthen travel options and promote economic and cultural exchange between the countries." This aligns with IndiGo's broader strategy of international expansion and its role in facilitating India's growing global connectivity.

Broader Context

The launch of the Delhi-Guangzhou route is part of IndiGo's larger initiative to expand its international footprint. In recent financial disclosures, the airline reported:

• A 10% increase in total income for the quarter ended September 2025
• Plans to grow capacity by high teens for both the third and fourth quarters of the current financial year
• An upward revision of capacity growth to early teens for the full financial year 2026

This expansion into China, coupled with IndiGo's recent launch of wide-body operations to destinations like Amsterdam, Manchester, Copenhagen, and London Heathrow, underscores the airline's ambition to become a significant player in the global aviation market.

As India's aviation sector continues to mature and grow, IndiGo's strategic moves, including this new route to Guangzhou, position the airline to capitalize on the increasing demand for international travel and strengthen India's air connectivity with key global markets.

Interglobe Aviation , operating as IndiGo, India's leading airline, has reported a robust performance for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, marking significant strides in revenue growth and operational profitability despite currency headwinds.

Financial Highlights

IndiGo posted a total income of ₹196.00 billion for the quarter ended September 2025, representing a 10% increase compared to the same period last year. The airline achieved an operational profit of ₹1.00 billion (excluding forex impact), a notable turnaround from a loss of ₹7.50 billion in the previous year.

However, the company reported a net loss of ₹25.80 billion due to the impact of foreign exchange movements, primarily attributed to a 4% depreciation of the rupee during the quarter.

Operational Performance

The airline demonstrated strong operational metrics during the quarter:

• Served 28.8 million passengers
• Expanded network to 94 destinations
• Passenger unit revenue (PRASK) increased by 3% year-over-year to ₹3.87
• Fuel costs reduced by 16%

Strategic Expansion and Fleet Enhancement

IndiGo continues to make significant strides in its expansion strategy:

• Added the first A321XLR aircraft to its fleet
• Announced operations to Athens from Delhi and Mumbai
• Doubled A350 widebody order from 30 to 60 aircraft
• Broke ground on a new MRO facility in Bengaluru

International Growth and Capacity Outlook

The airline is accelerating its international expansion:

• Introduced flights to Amsterdam, Manchester, Copenhagen, and London Heathrow
• Planning to increase wide-body operations from 4 to 6 aircraft
• Expects high teens capacity growth for Q3 and Q4 FY26
• Revised full-year FY26 capacity growth guidance to early teens

Financial Position

IndiGo maintains a strong financial position:

Total fleet of 417 aircraft as of September 30, 2025

Future Outlook

IndiGo is poised for continued growth:

• Anticipates early teens capacity growth for full FY26
• Expects flattish to slight growth in passenger unit revenues for Q3 FY26
• Focuses on expanding international operations and optimizing fleet mix

As IndiGo navigates through the evolving aviation landscape, the company remains committed to its long-term strategy of becoming a global aviation player while maintaining its strong domestic presence.

Note: All financial figures are in Indian Rupees (₹).