TravTalk India Online Magazine
From strengthening domestic connectivity in India to venturing deeper into Europe, Central Asia, and Africa, IndiGo is strategically aligning itself with India’s growth story, shares Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo, in an exclusive conversation with TRAVTALK.
Nisha Verma
Emphasising that scale, technology, and globalisation will define IndiGo’s next phase of growth, Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo, said, “The airline will continue to transform from a dominant domestic carrier to a global player.”
Deepening trade ties
For Elbers, engaging with trade is not a once-in-a-while exercise but a continuous relationship. Speaking on the sidelines of the TAAI Convention in Abu Dhabi, he said that such events play a unique role in reinforcing that bond. “While IndiGo’s sales teams maintain close ties with agents across India daily, such forums allow the airline to share its vision, priorities, and future plans directly with the trade community.”
Distribution channels
Despite the perception that airlines are not always pro-trade, Elbers highlights IndiGo’s inclusive approach. “I never believe that these distribution channels are exclusive. It is the entire portfolio, because it is the customer who is deciding where to go. IndiGo distributes through direct online channels, OTAs, and travel agents, ensuring customers have choice and flexibility. For the trade, IndiGo’s vast network of 94 domestic destinations offers opportunities to grow their own businesses alongside the airline,” he added.
Closest reach
In his presentation, Elbers mentioned that 90 per cent of the Indian population lives within 100 km of an IndiGo-served airport. “This reflects how IndiGo has transformed accessibility in tier II and tier III cities, fuelling tourism, creating jobs, and reducing reliance on metros. By doubling and tripling routes in cities like Ahmedabad, IndiGo is knitting the country closer together, making air travel more inclusive and affordable,” he elaborated.
Beyond Europe
Elbers sees immense opportunities across geographies thanks to India’s strategic location. “The Airbus A321XLR, due this year, will enable direct flights to cities like Athens and expand connectivity to Nairobi, Africa and then to China. By 2027, the induction of Airbus A350s will further extend IndiGo’s reach to Australia, Japan, Korea, and beyond.”
India’s infra boom
With India’s airport network expanding significantly, Elbers underlined that the focus must now shift to world-class hubs. Delhi is already ranked among the world’s top 10 airports, but Elbers sees potential for Bengaluru and Hyderabad to emerge as international transfer hubs.
Product strategy
While questions keep cropping up about IndiGo competing with full-service carriers, the airline’s product strategy is evolving, especially with the introduction of its Stretch class. Elbers stressed that many so-called full-service airlines are changing their economy profile by reducing benefits like meals and baggage, while IndiGo focuses on punctuality, reliability, and flexibility. With Stretch, the airline is targeting corporate travellers and international passengers who value comfort at competitive prices. “I think our Stretch can compete with any full-service carrier.”
Global expansion
Marking its 19th anniversary this year, IndiGo is on an international expansion spree. After launching flights to Manchester and Amsterdam, the airline is set to add connections to Heathrow, Copenhagen, and Athens.
