Airlines

The Curious Case of Indigo Airlines, India’s Largest Airline

Airlines

The Curious Case of Indigo Airlines, India’s Largest Airline

June 2024
32 min read
Ashab Rizvi

Skift Take

Indigo’s dominance in the domestic Indian market is a testament to its cost leadership and superior operational capabilities but venturing into international long haul market with widebody aircrafts will need a shift of mindset, strategy and planning from its low cost operation. The international market is highly competitive and demands premium products, operational flexibility, a loyalty program, and more experienced crew - all of which IndiGo currently lacks. Even if IndiGo were to introduce these services and products in the next few years, it would likely face strong competition from Air India, which has more experience in these areas, leading to intensified competition as both airlines expand their international networks. The question arises whether the market is large enough to accommodate both Air India and IndiGo.

Report Overview

Skift Research is introducing a new series of reports that will delve into interesting developments within the aviation industry. Throughout this series, we will explore unique initiatives undertaken by airlines worldwide. Our inaugural report will focus on India's largest carrier, Indigo.

Indigo has garnered significant attention following its substantial aircraft order at the Paris Airshow in 2023. However, what truly piqued our interest was its firm order of widebody aircraft in 2024, indicating Indigo's ambition to establish itself as a global airline and ending months of speculation on venturing into international long haul markets.

Will Indigo succeed in this endeavor? Is the Indian aviation market capable of accommodating two major full-service airlines? What challenges exist in international long-haul markets?

What You'll Learn From This Report

  • Growth of India's aviation market
  • How Indigo established itself in the domestic Indian market
  • Indigo’s cost leadership and operational excellence
  • What Indigo needs to figure out for International Long Haul