Delta’s anticipated return to India, paired with the potential IndiGo partnership, could reshape the air travel landscape between the U.S. and India
In 2023, India welcomed nearly 65 million international visitors, with 37 million choosing direct or nonstop flights. This marked a significant rise in international foot traffic compared to 2019, as reported by OAG, a UK-based air consultancy firm. The demand for direct flights to India grew by 3% from 2019, while ticket sales for flights with layovers declined by 2.5 million, according to IndianEagle.com.
As the number of direct international flights increases, Indian carriers like Air India and IndiGo are leading the way in capitalizing on this trend. This shift in demand for nonstop travel has created an opening for Delta Airlines to re-enter the Indian market. During a recent business meeting in Minnesota, Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian hinted at plans for a potential comeback. Delta previously operated nonstop flights between New York and Mumbai, but the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of Russian airspace put those operations on hold.
The move highlights Delta’s commitment to providing direct services in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets
Post-pandemic, Delta faced challenges in resuming flights to India due to airspace restrictions. To adapt, Delta leased several long-range aircraft, including the B777-200LRs, to airlines like Air India. Since then, Delta’s highly popular New York-Mumbai route has remained inactive, allowing Air India to dominate this corridor between the U.S. and India.
However, Delta Airlines is eyeing 2026 as a possible timeline for its return to India, depending on the delivery of its new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. These long-range planes will enable Delta to bypass restricted Russian airspace and resume its nonstop flights to India. “We really want to serve that market directly,” CEO Ed Bastian stated, signaling the airline’s intent to re-establish its presence.
In addition to reviving its direct flights, Delta is exploring a codeshare partnership with IndiGo, India’s largest domestic airline. This partnership would offer passengers smooth connectivity to domestic destinations from major international entry points like New Delhi and Mumbai. Such collaborations are vital for foreign carriers to thrive in India, and IndiGo’s expansive domestic network makes it an ideal partner. IndiGo already shares codes with airlines like Qatar Airways, American Airlines, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, and Japan Airlines.
Further solidifying its position, IndiGo plans to introduce business class travel starting in November 2024. The airline, known for its budget-friendly services, is also expanding its fleet with 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft. This strategic move will help IndiGo evolve from a low-cost carrier to an international player, offering long-haul flights and enhancing its global network.
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