IndiGo, India’s largest airline, is preparing to enter the Europe market by opening key positions, including airport managers and chief security officers, at London Heathrow, Paris, and Amsterdam airports. These roles, announced for internal candidates starting this summer season, mark a strategic shift for IndiGo, which has so far focused on short-haul international routes using narrow-body aircraft. 

To fast-track its foray into the long-haul India-Europe market, IndiGo has finalised a deal with Norwegian carrier Norse Atlantic to wet lease up to six Boeing 787 aircraft. This interim arrangement allows IndiGo to serve Europe years before its ordered Airbus A350 aircraft—expected in 2027—join the fleet. Last year, IndiGo ordered 30 Airbus A350-900 planes to expand into long-haul international routes, putting it in direct competition with Tata-owned Air India, which has been aggressively growing its presence in the India-Europe sector. 

Under the wet lease agreement, Norse Atlantic will provide pilots and engineering support along with the aircraft. Two of these Boeing 787s are expected to be deployed in February, with the remaining four joining in September. IndiGo already operates two Boeing 777s for flights to Istanbul under a similar arrangement with Turkish Airlines. 

This move follows a recent relaxation of government rules, which now allow airlines to launch new routes using wet-leased aircraft. Previously, such leases were restricted to one year and could not be used for route expansion. The decision comes amid global aircraft shortages that have driven up airfares and constrained growth opportunities for airlines. 

The India-Europe market, particularly the India-London route, is fiercely competitive due to a large Indian diaspora and strong demand for both tourism and business travel. IndiGo’s entry into this lucrative sector signals its ambition to expand its international footprint and cater to the growing demand for long-haul travel. 

(ET)