On July 1 and 2, a pivotal moment unfolded in the journey of India’s largest airline. IndiGo officially launched its first-ever long-haul services to Europe, introducing non-stop flights from Mumbai to both Amsterdam and Manchester. For us at gategourmet, it was a proud moment to support and be part of this landmark occasion, ensuring the highest quality of inflight catering and service for a new era in IndiGo’s international expansion.
The Mumbai–Amsterdam route, which began on July 2, came together with remarkable speed and precision. From tender to first flight, the entire process was completed in just three months. The final menu presentation in Amsterdam took place only four weeks before launch, and yet, the gategourmet team at Schiphol Airport rose to the challenge with the kind of agility and professionalism that defines our brand. The collaboration, the meticulous planning, and the commitment to excellence all contributed to a seamless start.
Manchester, which welcomed IndiGo’s inaugural flight from Mumbai a day earlier on July 1, followed a similarly fast-paced path to launch. Our team there mirrored the same high standards, working closely with airport authorities and airline representatives to ensure flawless execution. Their dedication helped set the tone for what is expected to become a strong and sustainable service for passengers traveling between the UK’s North and India’s west coast.
These new routes signify much more than expanded air connectivity. For IndiGo, this is a bold step forward in transforming from a domestic low-cost leader into a serious contender on the global aviation stage. The introduction of long-haul Dreamliner flights, complete with complimentary hot meals and full-service offerings, marks a clear evolution in the airline’s customer proposition. With generous seating configurations, inflight entertainment, and enhanced onboard service, passengers are now experiencing a more premium side of IndiGo, one that aligns well with the expectations of long-haul travelers.
The significance of these routes also lies in the cultural and economic bridges they create. With large Indian communities living in both the Netherlands and the UK, these direct connections respond to a growing demand for greater accessibility, especially for families, students, and professionals. Beyond that, these flights are poised to stimulate tourism and trade, strengthening ties between regions that already share deep historical and commercial bonds.
At gategourmet, we view this partnership as a reflection of what we do best, working side-by-side with our airline partners to deliver tailored culinary experiences at scale, even under tight timelines. It is no small feat to launch two international routes within days of each other, but thanks to the exceptional work of our teams in both Amsterdam and Manchester, we made it happen.
This launch is just the beginning. As IndiGo sets its sights on further expansion across Europe and eventually into North America, we look forward to continuing this journey together. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration, shared ambition, and what can be achieved when teams across borders unite with purpose.
Congratulations once again to everyone involved in Amsterdam and Manchester. Your efforts have helped mark the start of something truly special. Here’s to many more milestones ahead.
About gategroup
gategroup is the global leader in airline catering, retail-on-board and hospitality products and services. gategroup provides passengers with superior culinary and retail experiences, leveraging innovation and advanced technology solutions. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, gategroup delivers operational excellence through the most extensive catering network in the aviation industry, serving passengers from over 200 operating units in over 60 countries/territories across all continents. For further information, please visit: www.gategroup.com
