IndiGo targets transit passengers with premium product, direct European connections
Airline major IndiGo is eyeing a significant share of the transit passenger market between Europe and South-east Asia via Mumbai.
The airline’s chief executive, Pieter Elbers, said, “India’s geographical position allows passengers to catch connecting flights beyond India. If you fly from Europe to South-east Asia, connecting in Delhi or Mumbai is a good opportunity.”
The airline has launched direct flights from Mumbai to Manchester and Amsterdam, and plans to operate to new destinations like Copenhagen this winter.
“Even the potential for point-to-point traffic from Manchester to Mumbai is massive,” Elbers told businessline in Manchester.
“This service will help us mitigate seasonal fluctuations.”
According to Elbers, IndiGo’s growth strategy is designed to offer an additional option for Indian travellers, rather than simply taking away traffic from Middle East carriers and European operators.
“We will take away some traffic, but I see it as offering an additional option for Indian travellers,” said Elbers. “Our product is designed to feel at home for Indians and offer a taste of India for non-Indians.”
He cited that IndiGo’s network is designed to cater to the diverse needs of Indian travellers.
“Indian travellers are diverse, and our network reflects that diversity,” said Elbers adding “We’re not just looking at where Indian travellers go, but also new places.”
Furthermore, the airline is preparing for expansions with its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft. “We’re developing our network… We’re preparing for expansions with the XLRs,” he said.
At present, IndiGo has a fleet of over 400 aircraft, with which it operates more than 2,200 daily flights. The airline connects over 90 domestic and more than 40 international destinations.
It inducted 58 aircraft in 2024 and serviced over 118 million customers in FY25.
(The writer travelled to Manchester on the invitation of IndiGo)
Published on July 6, 2025
