IndiGo Expands International Operations with Mumbai-London Flight and Kolkata-Guangzhou Route
IndiGo has launched new international routes, including Mumbai-London and Kolkata-Guangzhou flights. The airline plans to acquire 30 Airbus A350 aircraft for its wide-body fleet expansion. Future plans include Delhi-Guangzhou flights starting November 10, 2025. These moves aim to strengthen IndiGo's position in the international market and compete more effectively on long-haul routes.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Interglobe Aviation , the parent company of IndiGo, India's largest airline, has marked significant milestones in its international operations and announced expansion plans.
New International Routes
IndiGo has launched its first non-stop flight service between Mumbai and London, expanding its international route network and enhancing connectivity between India and the United Kingdom. This new service represents a strategic move by the airline to tap into the long-haul market and cater to the demand for direct flights between major global cities.
Additionally, IndiGo has launched daily non-stop flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou, marking the first direct flights between India and China in five years. The service operates on A320 aircraft with the following schedule:
| Flight | Departure | Time | Arrival | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6E 1703 | Kolkata | 22:00 | Guangzhou | 04:05 |
| 6E 1704 | Guangzhou | 05:35 | Kolkata | 07:50 |
Direct flights between the two countries were suspended in early 2020 due to Covid-19 and remained halted due to diplomatic tensions following the Galwan valley clash.
Fleet Expansion Plans
IndiGo has revealed plans to increase its wide-body fleet. The airline intends to purchase 30 additional Airbus A350 aircraft, a decision that could significantly boost its long-haul capabilities.
Future Route Expansion
IndiGo plans to further expand its India-China service with Delhi-Guangzhou flights starting November 10, 2025. CEO Pieter Elbers stated that the route aims to enhance bilateral ties, support MSMEs, and boost tourism, education, and healthcare sectors while providing opportunities for trade, investment, and passenger movement between the two countries.
Implications for IndiGo and the Aviation Sector
These announcements of route expansions and fleet acquisition plans indicate IndiGo's strategic vision to:
- Strengthen its position in the international market
- Compete more effectively with full-service carriers on long-haul routes
- Explore new international destinations
- Increase its market share in the aviation sector
The addition of A350 aircraft to IndiGo's fleet marks a departure from its traditional focus on narrow-body aircraft, suggesting a possible shift in its long-term strategy towards a more diverse fleet mix.
Market Impact
While the financial details of the planned A350 acquisition have not been disclosed, such a significant fleet expansion could have substantial implications for IndiGo's future operations and financial performance. Investors and industry observers will likely be watching closely to see how these developments impact the airline's market position and financial metrics in the coming quarters.
As IndiGo embarks on this new chapter of international expansion and fleet modernization, it sets the stage for potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of the Indian aviation sector.
Historical Stock Returns for Interglobe Aviation
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -1.51% | -1.11% | +2.33% | +9.06% | +41.09% | +337.19% |















































