India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is poised to significantly expand its international network with the launch of a new direct flight service between New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR), scheduled to commence on 2 February 2026. The announcement underscores the airline’s broader global expansion strategy and reflects growing demand for seamless connectivity between India and the United Kingdom.
The new route will operate five times a week, with services conducted using Boeing 787 wide-body aircraft acquired through wet and damp lease arrangements with Norse Atlantic Airways. This strategic fleet deployment allows IndiGo to enter the long-haul market with flexibility while catering to both premium and economy travellers via a dual-class cabin configuration featuring IndiGoStretch and Economy seating.
IndiGo’s expanding London portfolio comes on the heels of its existing daily nonstop service between Mumbai and London Heathrow, meaning that once the Delhi service launches, the airline’s total weekly flights to London will increase to 12, thereby strengthening one of its most critical long-haul corridors. The additional capacity is expected to support robust travel demand across leisure, business, and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) segments.
The move forms part of IndiGo’s broader international growth ambitions, marked by a series of new routes originating from Delhi in recent months. These include services to destinations across Asia and Europe, such as Bali, Krabi, Hanoi, Guangzhou and Manchester, signaling a methodical expansion into both leisure and key gateway markets. The airline has also announced plans to introduce flights to Athens in January 2026, further diversifying its international network.
Analysts view the Delhi–London Heathrow launch as a strategic step for IndiGo to tap into sustained travel demand between India and the UK, a market characterised by strong cultural, educational, and business ties. Enhanced connectivity between Delhi and London is expected to benefit not only travellers but also contribute to broader tourism and trade flows between the two countries.
The airline’s approach of leveraging leased wide-body aircraft for long-haul operations aligns with industry trends that balance growth ambitions with capital efficiency. By temporarily augmenting its fleet without long-term ownership commitments, IndiGo can flexibly adjust capacity and test market dynamics as it scales its international footprint.
With the official launch just weeks away, preparations are underway for bookings and operational readiness. The new Delhi–London Heathrow service reinforces IndiGo’s vision to become a formidable global carrier while maintaining its leadership position in India’s aviation market.
