GURUGRAM— IndiGo Airlines (6E) has rapidly strengthened its presence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), expanding from 35 to 111 weekly flights in just two years. The airline now ranks among the largest operators in Abu Dhabi (AUH), underscoring the UAE’s role in its international strategy.
Chief Executive Officer Peter Elbers, who has led IndiGo for three years, emphasized the importance of the UAE (DXB, AUH, FJR) in building a long-term market position. He described the Gulf as central to IndiGo’s wider network expansion from Central Asia to Europe.
Photo: Siddh Dhuri | MumbaiPlanesIndiGo Triples UAE Flights
IndiGo’s expansion in the UAE is not about planting flags in multiple destinations but about achieving significant scale in key markets. Abu Dhabi (AUH) has become a model for this strategy, with IndiGo steadily building multiple connections and even adding Fujairah (FJR) to its map.
Elbers explained that the airline’s growth model is based on “drawing circles around India.” After consolidating domestic dominance, IndiGo moved into Central Asia and recently launched its first African route to Nairobi (NBO).
The inaugural flight, carrying a large number of Gujarati passengers, highlighted both diaspora demand and the airline’s measured approach to new markets.
Photo: Clément AlloingBilateral Agreements and Market Access
The pace of IndiGo’s expansion in the Gulf depends heavily on bilateral air service agreements between India and the UAE.
Elbers noted that there is still untapped capacity under current arrangements, particularly in Abu Dhabi, where IndiGo has used available traffic rights to expand flights.
The airline is closely watching developments in India’s bilateral discussions with other nations, such as Kuwait (KWI) and Indonesia (CGK). Any additional entitlements with the UAE would create further opportunities for IndiGo to add flights and strengthen its presence.
Dubai World Central and Future Planning
Asked about the possibility of operations at Dubai World Central (DWC), Elbers struck a pragmatic note. He said it was too early to commit resources until Dubai clarifies its long-term airport expansion timeline.
IndiGo’s focus, he added, remains on consolidating its existing Gulf operations under the current infrastructure.
Operations Amid Regional Tensions
Despite ongoing instability in the Middle East, IndiGo has no plans to scale back its Gulf presence. Elbers confirmed that the airline remains committed to its long-term strategy in the region.
He recalled India’s own aviation disruptions during past conflicts, when up to 25 airports were shut down, including Srinagar (SXR).
Even then, demand for air travel returned quickly. Elbers argued that India’s resilience, combined with strong mobility needs in the Middle East, will help IndiGo weather short-term geopolitical turbulence.
Photo: Mumbai Planes | Siddh DhuriEuropean Expansion and Fleet Strategy
IndiGo’s international strategy also extends westward into Europe. The airline currently operates six leased wide-body aircraft as a bridge until the arrival of its Airbus A350-900s, scheduled between 2027 and 2028.
The first leased aircraft launched services such as Istanbul (IST), while the second enabled the start of flights to Copenhagen (CPH) on October 8. For Elbers, who previously led KLM (KL), seeing IndiGo expand into Northern Europe marks a milestone for the once purely domestic carrier.
IndiGo has also built strong partnerships with European carriers. Through Amsterdam (AMS), it connects with KLM to over 15 destinations, a number expected to grow to 30.
This cooperation extends IndiGo’s reach into UK cities with large Indian communities, such as Leeds and Bradford. Manchester (MAN), meanwhile, now enjoys direct India connectivity for the first time, driven by strong demand from both business and diaspora travelers.
Photo: IndiGoPremium Economy and Product Evolution
IndiGo is also evolving its onboard product to match international ambitions. In November, it introduced ‘Stretch,’ a premium economy-style service with extra legroom.
Initially deployed on busy domestic routes such as Delhi (DEL)–Mumbai (BOM) and Delhi–Bangalore (BLR), the service has since expanded to Dubai (DXB), Singapore (SIN), Bangkok (BKK), and Phuket (HKT).
Elbers noted that customer response has been positive, though the market still associates IndiGo primarily with low-cost travel. The airline is working to build awareness that it can also deliver premium offerings for business and leisure travelers alike.
Bottom Line
IndiGo’s rapid expansion in the UAE highlights its shift from being India’s largest domestic carrier to a competitive international player.
With a focus on meaningful market share, careful use of bilateral entitlements, strategic partnerships in Europe, and evolving customer products, IndiGo is positioning itself as a global airline while staying anchored in its Indian growth story.
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IndiGo Eyes International Expansion in This Asian Market
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