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Wed, 08 Apr 2026

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 India's lack of widebody aircraft a 'scandal', says incoming IndiGo chief

India’s aviation market is set to grow but is held back by limited long-haul capacity, says Willie Walsh.

* India's aviation market is expected to expand significantly, but it is constrained by a limited number of widebody aircraft.
* Willie Walsh, the incoming CEO of IndiGo, has described India's fleet of 50 widebody aircraft as a "scandal" given its size and growth potential.
* Widebody aircraft are essential for non-stop international and long-haul routes, which are in high demand due to India's growing economy and population.
* India's aviation sector has been experiencing strong growth and improving connectivity, but it needs more capacity to meet the demands of its 1.4 billion people.
* Walsh sees a major opportunity for Indian carriers to expand their global footprint by offering direct international connectivity from India to the world.
* He also highlighted the challenges posed by global energy disruptions, including restrictions on jet fuel supplies linked to the war in Ukraine.
* Walsh expressed disappointment at the increasing price of sustainable aviation fuel and called for governments to invest more in renewable energies.
* Despite current challenges, he remains confident in India's growth trajectory and sees a strong demand for air travel.