IndiGo, India’s biggest airlines is finally going long-haul. Starting October 26, 2025, the airline will operate daily direct flights between Delhi and London Heathrow, marking a major step in its international ambitions.
The service will use Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, part of a new fleet of five wide-body jets being inducted this financial year. It’s the first time IndiGo is diving deep into premium international service on this scale.
🚨 New Route Alert!
✈️ IndiGo is set to launch flights to London Heathrow starting October 26, 2025! Seats will be on sale soon — stay tuned!#IndiGo #London #AviationNews
— travelobiz (@travelobiz) August 4, 2025
Let’s break down what this means for flyers and what else IndiGo has in the pipeline.
✈️ Daily Flight: Delhi to London Heathrow
From October 26, 2025, IndiGo will operate daily non-stop flights to London Heathrow, finally linking two powerhouse hubs with its own aircraft and crew.
The airline is deploying the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on this flagship route, a significant leap for an airline that carved its reputation with short-haul no-frills service.
| Flight No. | Departure | Dep. Time | Arrival | Arr. Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6E 1851 | Delhi | 1:10 PM IST | London Heathrow | 5:45 PM BST | Daily |
| 6E 1852 | London Heathrow | 8:15 PM BST | Delhi | 8:55 AM IST+1 | Daily |
Note: Schedule is subject to regulatory approval and may be updated closer to launch.
Why This Matters
This is a big deal for several reasons. First, it opens up a key long-haul route on one of the most competitive corridors, India to the UK, at a time when demand is high and capacity is still catching up post-pandemic.
Second, IndiGo’s choice of the Dreamliner means they’re now serious about premium travel. These aircraft are built for comfort on long-haul journeys, a major upgrade from the airline’s traditional all-economy A320 and A321 fleet.
Business Class Gets a Boost
IndiGo’s new business-class product, IndiGoStretch, is also rolling out on more international routes. Here’s where and when:
- August 9, 2025: Business class launches on A321s flying between Delhi/Singapore and Mumbai/Singapore
- August 30, 2025: IndiGoStretch starts on Delhi–Dubai
- September 3, 2025: It expands to Mumbai–Dubai
This marks the first time IndiGo is offering a true premium cabin on short-haul international flights, setting it up to compete with full-service carriers in Asia and the Gulf.
Fleet Growth and Global Expansion Plans
The new London route and business-class rollout aren’t isolated moves, they’re part of a broader international strategy. Here’s what else is coming:
- More Dreamliners: IndiGo will induct 5 more Boeing 787-9s this year
- New Destinations: The airline plans to launch routes to Copenhagen, Athens, and Siem Reap, plus four new destinations in Central Asia by FY26
- New Aircraft Orders: IndiGo converted purchase rights into a firm order for 30 Airbus A350 wide-bodies, growing its wide-body order book to 60 aircraft
Strengthening Global Ties
IndiGo has been aggressively expanding its codeshare and partnership network to give travelers more seamless options across continents:
- New MoU: Signed with Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic to improve India-Europe-North America connectivity
- Expanded Codeshare: Now includes Jetstar (access to 14 destinations in Australia and New Zealand)
- Deeper Cooperation: With KLM and Japan Airlines for reciprocal benefits
Recognition and Reach
The airline recently snagged two big honors at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards:
- Best Airline in India and South Asia
- Cleanest Airline in India and South Asia
With a fleet of 430+ aircraft and a network covering 90+ domestic and 40+ international cities, IndiGo has come a long way in its 19-year journey.
CEO’s Take
Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, summed it up like this: “We’re not just celebrating 19 years of operations—we’re entering a new phase. These London flights mark a milestone. The next few years are about growing internationally, connecting India to more of the world, and showing that IndiGo can hold its own on global routes.”
Final Thoughts
If you’re flying between India and London, or looking at international travel out of India in the coming months, IndiGo just became a much more serious player. Between new aircraft, added comfort, and strategic alliances, they’re building out a global network that goes far beyond budget domestic flights.
The long-haul game just got more interesting.
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