The India-European aviation market is a bustling sector, with several airlines operating numerous flights between these regions. Based on data from , an aviation analytics company, for August 2024, here's a detailed analysis of the top carriers and the aircraft they use on these routes. Airline Flights Seats ASMs Air India 812 226,632 941,370,992 British Airways 496 122,182 584,815,808 Lufthansa 416 137,538 568,263,985 Vistara 310 92,312 378,892,706 Virgin Atlantic 248 72,602 321,941,944 Air France 176 54,070 240,514,317 KLM 159 50,169 213,370,669 IndiGo 124 65,844 192,527,856 SWISS 124 29,264 115,505,008 Turkish Airlines 124 49,600 145,030,400 leads the pack with 812 flights in August 2024.
The airline predominantly uses Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Boeing 777s for these long-haul routes, though it is also expected to fly its new Airbus A350s on these routes going forward. The Dreamliners, known for their fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, are well suited to these flights, offering a mix of business and economy class seating. Key routes include: As more and more of Air India’s crews become familiar with its new flagship type, the airline is deploying the A350 further and further away.
, with 496 flights, primarily operates Boeing 777s and Boeing 787s on its routes to India. With a focus on both business and leisure travelers, it has equipped these aircraft with the latest amenities in an effort to ensure a comfortable journey for passengers. Key routes include London (LHR) to Delhi (DEL), Bangalore (BLR), Mumbai (BOM), and Chennai (MAA).
Operating 416 flights to destinations in India, Lufthansa uses a combination of Airbus A350s and Boeing 747-8s. The A350s are celebrated for their advanced aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, while the Boeing 747-8, often referred to as the "Queen of the Skies," offers a spacious and luxurious flying experience. Key routes include Frankfurt (FRA) to Delhi (DEL), Hyderabad (HYD), Bangalore (BLR), Chennai (MAA), and Mumbai (BOM).
, a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, operates 310 flights using Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Known for its premium service, Vistara's Dreamliners feature a three-class configuration, including business, premium economy, and economy classes. Key routes include: Virgin Atlantic, with 248 flights, primarily uses Airbus A350s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners for routes between Europe and India.
The airline is renowned for its innovative cabin designs and high-quality in-flight services. Major routes include London (LHR) to Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM). Some 85% of summer services are from the UK to just two countries.
From its hub at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG0), Air France operates 176 flights to destinations in India using a mix of Boeing 777s and Airbus A350s. Both aircraft types offer enhanced passenger comfort on these long-haul routes and are equipped with modern entertainment systems and spacious seating. Key routes include Paris (CDG) to Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and Bangalore (BLR).
KLM operates 159 flights, utilizing Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Boeing 777s. The Dutch carrier ensures a comfortable flying experience for its passengers on these long-haul routes with state-of-the-art aircraft and exceptional in-flight services. Key routes include Amsterdam (AMS) to Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and Bangalore (BLR).
SWISS operates 124 flights using Airbus A330s and A340s. These aircraft are designed for long-haul flights connecting their Zurich hub with destinations in India, offering a comfortable journey with advanced in-flight entertainment systems and ample legroom. Key routes include Zurich (ZRH) to Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM).
Turkish Airlines also has 124 flights between India and Europe in August 2024. It utilizes its fleet of Boeing 777s and Airbus A330s for Europe-to-India routes. The airline is known for its superior in-flight service and comfortable seating configurations.
Key routes include Istanbul (IST) to Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM). The rapid growth of air travel between India and Europe can be attributed to several factors, including increased business ties, tourism, and the growing Indian diaspora in Europe. Additionally, the rise of low-cost carriers like IndiGo has made international travel more accessible to a broader audience.
"Airline-wise the Indian aviation market for 2024 will continue to be dominated by IndiGo, which ended 2023 with an average market share north of 60%. This was followed by the Tata owned airlines namely Air India, Vistara, AIX Connect (erstwhile AirAsia India) with a market share of 26%, and overall 2024 promises to be yet another exciting year for Indian aviation." Wizz Air is considering between European cities and India, using its soon-to-be-delivered Airbus A321XLR fleet.
Their CEO, József Váradi, hinted at the airline's interest in connecting six or seven European cities with destinations in India in the near future. Wizz Air had previously noted the possibility of flying direct between Delhi and London with the range of the A321XLR. As the demand for air travel between India and Europe continues to increase, airlines like Lufthansa are enhancing their service offerings to capture a larger market share.
Carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways, though not based in Europe, also play significant roles by providing connecting flights through their Middle Eastern hubs. This growing competition will hopefully encourage innovation, improved services, more choices, and better passenger flight experiences. The India-to-Europe flight sector is a dynamic and rapidly growing market, with numerous airlines competing to offer the best services.
As the aviation industry continues evolving and expanding route offerings, the connectivity between India and Europe will only likely grow stronger..
