New Delhi: IndiGo, India’s largest and most profitable airline, has achieved a remarkable feat by flying 100 million passengers in a year, joining the ranks of the world’s top 10 carriers in terms of passenger traffic. The Gurugram-based airline, which started operations in 2006, reached this historic milestone in 2023, making it one of the fastest airlines to do so.
IndiGo, which operates a fleet of over 300 aircraft, has been expanding its network and market share steadily over the years. In 2022, it flew more than 78 million passengers on both domestic and international routes, capturing a 55 percent share of the Indian market. This year, it saw a 23 percent growth in passenger numbers, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising fuel prices.
IndiGo CEO hails the achievement
Pieter Elbers, the Chief Executive Officer of IndiGo, expressed his delight and gratitude for achieving the 100 million passenger mark in a year. He said, “We are incredibly delighted to achieve this historic milestone, welcoming aboard 100 million passengers in a year. This milestone is also a validation of our strategy which has been executed so diligently.”
He also thanked the customers, employees, partners, and regulators for their support and trust in the airline. He said, “We are humbled by the loyalty and confidence that our customers have shown in us. We are also proud of our 40,000-strong team, who have worked tirelessly to deliver a safe, reliable, and affordable travel experience to our passengers. We are grateful to our partners and regulators, who have enabled us to grow and serve the nation and the world.”
IndiGo’s plans
IndiGo, which has a 41 percent share of the international traffic from India, has been aggressively expanding its global footprint in the last six months. It has added more than 20 new international destinations to its network, including London, Paris, Rome, Moscow, Istanbul, Cairo, Colombo, Dhaka and Kathmandu. It has also increased its frequencies and connectivity to existing markets such as Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur.
IndiGo has also announced its plans to add more international destinations in the coming months, such as Bali, Indonesia, and Medina, Saudi Arabia. It aims to leverage its low-cost model, high operational efficiency, and customer-centric approach to tap into the growing demand for air travel in the post-pandemic world. It also plans to invest in new technologies, digital platforms, and sustainable practices to enhance its customer experience and reduce its environmental impact.
