Wole Shadare 
IndiGo, Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic have announced plans to build an industryleading partnership connecting India with Europe and North America, with ambitions to grow to a global scale.
India, one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, is at the heart of this collaboration.
By linking IndiGo’s extensive domestic network with Delta’s strength in North America and the transatlantic, the extensive reach of Air France-KLM in Europe and North America, and the U.K. and transatlantic presence of Virgin Atlantic, the partnership is poised to offer travelers broader access, smoother journeys, and a more consistent experience across continents.
Linking dozens of cities in the United States, Canada, Europe and India, the airlines aim to meet rising demand for international travel while setting new standards for connectivity and cooperation in global aviation.
Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, said: “IndiGo has embarked on an ambitious journey to become a global airline by 2030. This partnership represents another important milestone to pursue commercial synergies, operational excellence and innovation.
This announcement not only expands our relationship with Air France–KLM and Virgin Atlantic but also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as we welcome Delta Airlines as a valued partner.
We are particularly excited to start our long-haul expansion from this Summer and connect with our partners’ networks to provide greater access to Europe and North America.
This strategic partnership enables a compelling combined customer proposition in the form comprehensive intercontinental connectivity, seamless experience and great loyalty value.
It also lays the groundwork for us to exchange best practices in areas of technology, operational excellence and service delivery.”
Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, said: “This agreement is another example of our commitment to making travel more connected, more inclusive and more accessible.
Combining our strengths with those of IndiGo, Air FranceKLM, and Virgin Atlantic, will enable us to offer unparalleled connectivity and convenience, ensuring that our customers enjoy the highest standards of service and reliability across the globe.
We look forward to restarting Delta’s direct service from the U.S. to India shortly.” Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, said: “We are very glad to extend our existing partnership with IndiGo and to do so alongside our partners Delta and Virgin Atlantic.
India is a strategic market for Air France-KLM, where we have a strong and historic presence, soon to increase. and we look forward to welcoming IndiGo customers on our flights and to play an active role in the country’s connectivity.”
