Airlines form alliance linking India with Europe and North America

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Airlines form alliance linking India with Europe and North America

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Bill Carroll, S.V.P. – Controller | Delta Air Lines

By Sky Industry News

Jun 1, 2025

IndiGo, Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic have announced a strategic partnership aimed at connecting India with Europe and North America. This collaboration seeks to leverage IndiGo's extensive domestic network in India with Delta's presence in North America, the transatlantic reach of Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic's operations in the UK.

Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, highlighted the ambition behind this initiative: “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." He further expressed excitement about expanding long-haul operations from this summer.

Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, emphasized the commitment to connectivity: “This agreement is another example of our commitment to making travel more connected, more inclusive and more accessible." Delta plans to resume direct service from the U.S. to India soon.

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Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, expressed enthusiasm for extending their existing partnership with IndiGo: “India is a strategic market for Air France-KLM." The collaboration aims to enhance connectivity within India's growing aviation sector.

Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, commented on strengthening ties: “In our 25th year of flying to India, we’re delighted to build on our Joint Venture with Delta and Air France-KLM."

The partnership includes cooperation in various areas such as network expansion and customer loyalty programs. IndiGo customers will gain access to flights operated by its partners under new marketing codes once regulatory approvals are secured. Additionally, KLM's new route between Amsterdam and Hyderabad is expected to bolster cooperation starting September 2025.

Delta intends to restart services between Atlanta and Delhi pending government approval. Future collaborations may also involve technological advancements and sustainable practices across all involved airlines.