IndiGo plans to double its size by 2030, according to co-founder Rahul Bhatia

IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share and fleet size, is planning ambitious growth over the next decade. In an interview with CNBC-TV18, IndiGo Co-Founder Rahul Bhatia voiced confidence in the airline’s ability to double its size by 2030.

“By 2030, we anticipate that the airline will double in size, and by ‘size,’ I mean not just in terms of revenue but also in the extent of our footprint,” Bhatia stated.

The debut of Airbus A321XLRs next year and the launch of Airbus A350s in 2027 are significant milestones in this expansion strategy.

He underlined the government’s aggressive steps to create and improve aviation infrastructure, which he feels are critical to the industry’s success. Bhatia noted that if India’s infrastructure improved, all airlines would gain, resulting in a robust aviation market.

Addressing recent speculation about IndiGo’s long-term commitment following InterGlobe’s stake sale, Bhatia reiterated his commitment to the airline.

“When we sold down, there was some skepticism about our long-term commitment to the airline. And I just saw this as an opportunity to let the world know that we are here to stay,” Bhatia explained.

He recalled his motive for entering the airline sector in the 1990s, emphasizing that his passion and ambition are as strong as ever. Bhatia sees the current situation as a tremendous opportunity and duty to contribute to the country’s future through the airline.

IndiGo Stretch, a new tailored business product, was unveiled on Monday, August 5th. This premium service will be accessible on all 12 metro routes departing from Delhi.

At an event in Delhi marking the airline’s upcoming 18th anniversary, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers announced, ‘We are introducing a customized business product on the country’s busiest and most important routes.

IndiGo Stretch will have 12 business-class seats per flight and deliver tailored meals as part of the new service. The inaugural business-class flight between Delhi and Mumbai is slated for mid-November.