India is facing increasing competition for European flight traffic as cheaper indirect routes through West Asia and some European hubs lure passengers away from direct flights. Major airports in cities like Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Istanbul, along with European hubs like Frankfurt and Amsterdam, offer lower fares for travelers heading to cities such as London, Paris, Milan, and Frankfurt, which is drawing a significant number of Indian passengers toward these more affordable, indirect routes.
According to aviation research firm OAG, the price disparity between direct flights and indirect routes is encouraging many Indian flyers to opt for the latter, even if it means longer travel times. As a result, India is witnessing a loss of traffic on direct flights to Europe, especially on high-demand routes such as Mumbai to London and Delhi to Paris.
OAG’s data, covering the period from December 2023 to November 2024, reveals that a third of travelers flying between Mumbai and London, and about a fourth of those flying between Delhi and other major European destinations, have opted for indirect routes. The lower ticket prices offered by West Asian hubs and their convenient connections to European cities have become particularly attractive to cost-conscious travelers, especially during peak travel seasons.
However, with its growing market share in India’s aviation sector, low-cost carrier IndiGo is well-positioned to convert these passengers back to direct flights. IndiGo, which has built a strong reputation for affordable and efficient travel, is already considering expanding its direct routes to key European destinations. By leveraging its cost-effective model and expanding its presence in the European market, IndiGo has the potential to sway many flyers back to direct flights, offering convenience without the extra cost of connecting flights.
While the current trend of indirect routes is likely to continue for the short term, the competition between direct and indirect flights will drive the airlines to adjust their pricing strategies. If IndiGo and other Indian carriers can further reduce the cost of direct flights while maintaining their service standards, there is a possibility of shifting passenger preferences back towards direct European routes.