IndiGo has taken two significant strides in its international expansion journey with the commencement of daily non-stop flights between Mumbai and London Heathrow and Kolkata and Guangzhou.
IndiGo today inaugurated its first-ever non-stop service between Mumbai and London Heathrow, operated on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Featuring a dual-class configuration, Economy and IndiGoStretch, the airline’s tailor-made business product, the new service connects two global financial powerhouses and marks a defining moment in IndiGo’s long-haul expansion strategy.
Operating to and from one of the world’s busiest and most prestigious airports, the new route offers passengers an enhanced international travel experience. The service caters to the strong demand for travel between India and the United Kingdom, driven by business, education, tourism, and family visits.
Elbers described the launch as a major milestone for IndiGo’s internationalisation journey. “We are delighted to announce the launch of direct connectivity between Mumbai and London, two vibrant, global financial hubs with deep cultural and economic ties. This route is not just a new destination for us; it’s a bridge between cultures, businesses, and families. It also marks a defining moment in IndiGo’s journey towards becoming a truly global airline. With this launch, we aim to make travel between India and the UK more seamless, accessible, and affordable for our customers.”
The daily service departs Mumbai at 2:45 PM and arrives at London Heathrow at 7:20 PM local time, while the return flight leaves London at 9:30 PM and lands in Mumbai at 11:45 AM the following day. Passengers on this long-haul route can enjoy an elevated travel experience with complimentary hot meals, beverages, in-flight entertainment, and upgraded comfort amenities, including alcoholic beverages for purchase in Economy and complimentary service in IndiGoStretch.
In another major development, IndiGo has become the first Indian carrier to reinstate direct connectivity between India and Mainland China with the commencement of daily flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou. Operated on an Airbus A320 aircraft, the service offers passengers a convenient and comfortable flying experience while reconnecting one of Asia’s most vital business corridors.
Guangzhou, located in southern China, is recognised as a major global hub for manufacturing and export logistics. The resumption of direct flights caters to the growing demand for both passenger and cargo movement between the two nations, unlocking new opportunities for trade, investment, and tourism. The airline also plans to introduce daily flights between Delhi and Guangzhou from November 10, 2025, further strengthening its footprint in this important region.
Commenting on the new service, Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer of IndiGo, said, “We are excited to be the first Indian carrier to resume our daily non-stop flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou, reinstating one of the most important air links between India and China. Guangzhou, as a major commercial hub, offers immense opportunities for Indian businesses, exporters, and professionals. At the same time, it opens doors for Chinese travellers and investors to explore the rich culture and growing markets of India. This strategic move will enhance bilateral ties, support MSMEs, and boost tourism, education, and healthcare in both countries.”
The new service operates daily, with flights departing from Kolkata at 10:00 PM and arriving in Guangzhou at 4:05 AM the next day. The return flight departs Guangzhou at 5:35 AM and arrives in Kolkata at 7:50 AM, providing seamless overnight connectivity between the two cities.
