IndiGo’s CEO, Pieter Elbers, remains optimistic about the airline’s future growth despite global economic uncertainties. Despite tariff wars and international market fluctuations, IndiGo’s expansion plans are expected to continue uninterrupted, with a target to double its size by the end of the decade. Elbers believes that India’s vast and untapped domestic market provides a strong foundation for the airline’s growth.
IndiGo is not concerned about competition, with Elbers welcoming the potential for a large Indian airline to compete globally. However, he warned that limiting seat allocations in the bilateral seat-sharing framework could be detrimental to Indian carriers, as foreign airlines would benefit from the seats.
Elbers emphasized the importance of a broader ecosystem to support the aviation industry, highlighting the need for local maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities. Currently, IndiGo sends its aircraft overseas for MRO services. The airline also contributes significantly to job creation, with over 60,000 employees on its payroll.
On airfare caps, Elbers argued against regulatory control, believing that market forces should be allowed to play. While fares may spike during peak demand periods, India’s aviation market is one of the most competitive globally. Elbers also mentioned that IndiGo plans to expand operations through the new Navi Mumbai airport, which will serve both Mumbai and Pune when it opens later this year.
Overall, Elbers’ confidence in IndiGo’s growth prospects is driven by the airline’s focus on its domestic market and its commitment to expanding its operations in a competitive global environment.