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Airline major IndiGo has emerged as India’s largest international carrier by the number of destinations served, with operations now spanning 43 overseas cities.
According to industry data, this makes IndiGo the Indian airline with the broadest global footprint, surpassing Air India (standalone), which currently serves 42 international destinations.
However, IndiGo is behind the Air India Group (Air India and Air India Express) which operates to over 50 destinations.
On a standalone basis, Air India, which earlier held the top spot, has fallen to second place after a self-imposed “safety pause” and the cancellation of some flights.
That said, both Indian carriers still trail far behind global giants such as Emirates and Turkish Airlines, which serve over 200 destinations worldwide.
IndiGo, however, continues to push its international expansion. By year-end, the airline is expected to add new destinations, including London, Copenhagen and Siem Reap, further strengthening its overseas network.
Notably, the latest milestone comes 14 years after the low-cost carrier launched its maiden international service.
IndiGo began its overseas journey on September 1, 2011, with the Delhi–Dubai route, and within months added Bangkok, Singapore, Muscat and Kathmandu — setting the stage for a sharp growth trajectory.
In the years that followed, IndiGo expanded its presence across South Asia, West Asia and Southeast Asia before foraying into newer geographies.
Global growth
A major milestone came in 2019 with direct flights to Istanbul, its first European gateway. By 2023, the airline had broadened its reach into Central Asia and Africa, adding destinations such as Jakarta, Nairobi, Almaty, Tashkent, Baku and Tbilisi.
The carrier has also built strong international connectivity from its hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Its global ambitions scaled higher in June 2025, when it launched long-haul services to Europe with flights to Manchester and Amsterdam.
Currently, international operations account for around 30 per cent of IndiGo’s total capacity. The airline has set a target of raising this to 40 per cent by FY30, supported by significant fleet additions.
The airline expects to receive more Boeing 787s from Norse Atlantic. IndiGo is also slated to get the first Airbus A321XLR aircraft.
These additions will extend its reach further, while the induction of Airbus A350 widebodies in 2027 will allow the carrier to operate on ultra-long-haul routes.
Aviation experts note that IndiGo’s rapid expansion reflects both rising overseas travel demand from India and the airline’s focus on network growth, positioning it as a formidable player in the international market.
In an earlier interaction with businessline, the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Pieter Elbers, had said IndiGo’s growth plans reflect India’s own economic trajectory.
According to him, IndiGo’s goal is to build a self-reliant, direct flight network for India, catering to the growing demand for international air travel.
“We have started the strategy towards ‘new heights and across new frontiers’,” he had said.
“Our ambition really is that by 2030, when India is firmly the third-largest economy in the world… Our airline should be a reflection of all the ambition India embodies.”
Published on September 3, 2025
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