IndiGo, India’s largest airline, is gearing up to enhance its fleet with the introduction of A350 wide-body aircraft, expected to begin operations in 2027. With Delhi being the country’s biggest airport and IndiGo's main hub, the airline plans to base its A350s there, solidifying its position in the global aviation market.
In April, IndiGo placed an order for 30 A350-900 aircraft, a move aimed at expanding its international network from major Indian cities. These aircraft will be powered by Rolls Royce’s efficient Trent XWB engine, providing IndiGo with increased operational flexibility to meet the evolving needs of travelers.
Currently, all international operations for IndiGo are managed through Terminal 3 of the Delhi International Airport, which presents logistical challenges due to the airline’s scattered operations across multiple terminals. Unlike Tata group's airlines, which operate from a single terminal, IndiGo faces higher operational costs and unfavorable connection times.
However, this is expected to change with the anticipated launch of an automated people mover (APM) by 2027, connecting Terminal 1 with Terminals 2 and 3, along with stops at Aerocity and Cargo City. This facility will significantly improve passenger convenience, moving them away from the unreliable Delhi Transport buses.
While the proposed APM may not achieve the seamless transitions found in global hubs like Singapore or Frankfurt, it will offer a quicker alternative to current methods, enhancing the airport’s attractiveness for transfers. This development comes on the heels of Delhi Airport recently completing a capacity expansion to accommodate 100 million passengers.
Over the years, IndiGo has evolved from a point-to-point carrier to adopting a hub-and-spoke model with interline and codeshare agreements that enhance connectivity. The APM will help address the challenges faced by passengers transferring between Terminals 1 and 3, where current transport options are inconvenient and time-consuming.
The APM project is crucial for both IndiGo and Delhi Airport as it prepares for increased competition from Noida International Airport in Jewar, which offers more streamlined operations under one roof. In the fiscal year 2019-2020, Delhi Airport recorded 6.28 million transfer passengers with IndiGo, while Air India had a throughput of 11.05 million.
For IndiGo, the introduction of the APM aligns perfectly with the A350 aircraft’s entry into service, allowing for improved connections and a broader range of flight options. Meanwhile, Delhi Airport is navigating terminal shifts and planning future expansions, including a potential new Terminal 4, which will further enhance connectivity and passenger experience.
The ultimate goal is to create an efficient airport environment with integrated immigration and customs services across terminals, similar to those at Terminal 3 in Delhi and Terminal 2 in Mumbai.
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