Has IndiGo Partnered to Expand Long-Haul Flights to Europe, UK, and North America?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- IndiGo partners with Delta, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic.
- Focus on expanding long-haul flights to Europe, the UK, and North America.
- Enhanced connectivity and travel experience for passengers.
- IndiGo to lease six Boeing 787 aircraft for long-haul operations.
- Agreement includes deeper cooperation in multiple areas.
New Delhi, June 1 (NationPress) The prominent Indian airline IndiGo has declared on Sunday that it has forged a new alliance with leading international airlines Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic.
This strategic initiative is an integral part of IndiGo's objective to broaden its long-haul flight offerings to Europe, the United Kingdom, and North America.
Through this collaboration, IndiGo passengers will enjoy enhanced accessibility to these regions, thanks to seamless connections with the flights provided by its partner carriers.
The airlines will collaborate to enhance connectivity, ensure a more streamlined travel experience, and provide improved loyalty programme perks.
IndiGo's CEO, Pieter Elbers, expressed his enthusiasm about launching long-haul operations this summer.
He mentioned that this agreement will grant travelers access to a vast international network and an enhanced flying experience. As part of this partnership, IndiGo has officially welcomed Delta Air Lines as a new collaborator.
The airline has been in cooperation with Air France-KLM since 2022. Following the completion of all regulatory approvals, passengers will have the opportunity to book connecting flights on Delta, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic directly via the IndiGo website.
This alliance enables IndiGo customers to connect from Amsterdam on KLM flights to 30 European destinations, and to North America on flights operated by either Delta or KLM.
Additionally, travelers can fly on Virgin Atlantic from Manchester to a range of U.S. cities.
Furthermore, Air France-KLM plans to begin marketing IndiGo-operated flights to 24 cities beyond Hyderabad starting in September 2025.
Delta Air Lines is also gearing up to resume its flight service between Atlanta and Delhi, with the start date to be confirmed later upon receiving the necessary approvals.
This agreement lays the groundwork for deeper collaboration among all four airlines, which may include joint ventures in cargo services, sales, frequent flyer programs, and route planning.
In preparation for its long-haul growth, IndiGo is set to lease six Boeing 787 aircraft later this year. Additionally, the airline has placed an order for 30 Airbus A350-900 planes, with an option to acquire 70 more.
These wide-body aircraft will empower IndiGo to operate extended international routes and fortify its alliances with global airlines involved.