Ryanair and the Rise of Indigo: A New Challenger in Low-Cost Air Travel
Ryanair, a controversial airline in Europe, continues to attract both critics and loyal customers alike. The appeal of low-cost travel heavily influences purchasing decisions, especially in the aviation sector. This success has made Ryanair a household name, but it is no longer alone in the budget airline market. Enter Indigo, India’s leading low-cost carrier, which has recently expanded its operations into Europe. This development not only adds competition to the European skies but also elevates travel possibilities between India and the continent.
Indigo: A Major Player in Aviation
Though the name Indigo might not ring a bell for many European travelers, it is, in fact, one of the giants in the global aviation industry. According to global rankings, Indigo is the seventh-largest airline for daily flights and the ninth-largest in terms of passenger volume and routes served. In its home country, India, Indigo dominates the market with a staggering 64.1% share , conducting around 2,200 daily flights to over 130 destinations , mainly domestic but increasingly international.
Indigo Boeing 787-9 | Image: Indigo
International Expansion Plans
Though Indigo has operated international flights since 2011 , it has ambitious plans for global growth. In February 2025 , the airline announced an expansion initiative targeting Europe as its first destination. Previously, Indigo facilitated flights from India to Europe with stopovers in Istanbul, utilizing a partnership with Turkish Airlines. However, in March , the airline officially announced its first direct flights to Europe, launching routes to Manchester and Amsterdam . These flights include three weekly journeys from Bombay , starting in July, all at competitive prices.
In comparison, a Manchester-Bombay flight on July 17 with Indigo arrives at €608 , lasting approximately nine and a half hours without any layovers. While these fares are reasonable, Indigo’s approach closely resembles that of Ryanair. Passengers can expect affordable tickets, but must compromise on amenities like free seat selection, seat comfort, and infotainment options.
Manchester-Bombay flight simulation with Indigo | Image: Indigo
For context, exploratory searches show that the cheapest option listed on Skyscanner is a staggering €509 , but it involves three layovers across different airlines and a travel time of approximately 37.5 hours . The most sensible choice, which includes a layover with Qatar Airways , is priced at €924 . Thus, the contrast in offers is clear, making Indigo’s direct flights a compelling option.
India’s Growing Influence
India continues to emerge as a powerhouse in the aviation sector, and Indigo aims to establish itself as a global player by 2030 . The airline’s expansion into Europe is just one piece of a larger puzzle. As travel demand increases from both India and Europe, Indigo serves as a vital link, allowing for smoother connectivity across continents.
A321neo LR 34 of Jetstar | Image: Jetstar
For this ambitious journey, Indigo is expanding its fleet. The airline has recently acquired Boeing 787-9 aircraft and plans to add several more long-range planes by the end of the year. By 2027 , Indigo is expected to receive 69 Airbus A321 XLR models and 30 A350-900 aircraft to further enhance its long-haul service offerings.
Strategic Alliances
In addition to fleet expansions, Indigo has been proactive in building alliances. The airline has been collaborating with Air France KLM and Virgin Atlantic since 2022 , and recently further strengthened its relationships by partnering with Delta Air Lines . This partnership aims to connect domestic routes in India with European and American destinations, significantly broadening the potential market. Moreover, a new collaboration with Jetstar aims to boost tourism in Australia and New Zealand, paving the way for international travelers.
As both Ryanair and Indigo continue to navigate the highly competitive low-cost airline sector, passengers are set to benefit from increased options, improved service offerings, and potentially lower fares. With Indigo’s entry into the European market, travelers will have more choices on their journey from the subcontinent to the rest of the world. The ongoing developments in the aviation landscape are certainly ones to watch as they unfold.