IndiGo Doubles Wide-Body Aircraft Order with 30 Additional Airbus A350s

IndiGo Doubles Airbus A350 Order, Accelerates Long-Haul Expansion

IndiGo has announced a substantial expansion of its long-haul ambitions by doubling its order for Airbus A350 wide-body aircraft, adding 30 additional jets to its fleet plans. This strategic decision positions the airline to challenge the dominance of established foreign carriers such as Emirates and Qatar Airways in India’s long-haul market—a sector where, until now, only Tata Group’s Air India has maintained a significant presence among Indian airlines.

Expanding International Reach

The airline emphasized that this move will enable it to extend its international network, connecting major Indian metropolitan cities to a broader range of global destinations. IndiGo aims to provide more travel options for its customers and increase flight frequencies to the hubs of its partner airlines. The expansion is a clear indication of IndiGo’s intent to strengthen its foothold in the competitive international aviation market.

IndiGo initiated its long-haul operations in March 2025 by introducing six temporarily leased Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, with deliveries expected to conclude by 2026. The newly ordered Airbus A350-900s, equipped with Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines, will significantly enhance the airline’s capacity to serve distant international routes, supporting its long-term growth strategy.

Industry Context and Market Impact

This expansion occurs amid intensifying competition within the Indian aviation sector. Air India, under the Tata Group’s stewardship, is simultaneously expanding its fleet and international operations, prompting expectations that other carriers may accelerate their own growth plans in response to IndiGo’s aggressive strategy. Market analysts have responded positively, viewing IndiGo’s commitment as a decisive step toward capturing a larger share of the international travel market.

Nevertheless, industry experts caution that IndiGo’s ambitious aircraft order may encounter challenges, including potential supply chain disruptions that have affected manufacturers worldwide. Despite these risks, the airline remains confident in its growth trajectory and operational plans.

Fleet Growth and Future Outlook

In June 2023, IndiGo placed a record-breaking order for 500 aircraft with Airbus, marking the largest single order by any airline to date. With the addition of the latest A350s, IndiGo’s outstanding order book now exceeds 900 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled well into the next decade. The airline projects adding one new aircraft to its fleet every week through the fiscal year 2026 and anticipates surpassing a fleet size of 600 aircraft by 2030.

As IndiGo accelerates its long-haul expansion, this development is poised to reshape the competitive landscape of Indian aviation, offering travelers increased options and intensifying the contest among carriers to dominate international air travel.