IndiGo Likely to Introduce In-Flight Wi-Fi for Business Class Passengers Soon

IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market capitalisation and passenger volume, is making headlines with its ambitious plan to introduce in-flight Wi-Fi services for business class passengers. 

According to a Moneycontrol report, the airline is in advanced talks with leading satellite communication firms and is targeting a rollout by November 2025.

In-Flight Wi-Fi to Start with Business Class Passengers

IndiGo intends to launch in-flight Wi-Fi initially for business class travellers on domestic routes, followed by select international routes. The report said that domestic operations are being prioritised due to quicker approval cycles, while international routes will follow once the required clearances are in place.

The airline has submitted a Request for Proposal to satellite communication providers and is currently working with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to secure the necessary permissions.

Around 25 Aircraft Expected to Be Equipped in 2025

The plan includes deploying the connectivity feature on around 25 aircraft in 2025. Currently, IndiGo operates 23 Airbus A321 planes with dual-class configurations that already support in-flight Wi-Fi technology. The airline is also seeking approval to implement Wi-Fi on two damp-leased Boeing 787 Dreamliners from Norse Atlantic.

This strategic move positions IndiGo to cater to business travellers’ growing expectations of staying connected even while airborne.

Financial Feasibility Still Under Evaluation

While the initiative marks a significant shift in domestic aviation, industry insiders have flagged concerns about the financial viability of in-flight Wi-Fi on short-haul flights. Since flight durations are limited, passenger willingness to pay for the service and the tight margin environment in the airline industry pose significant challenges.

IndiGo is said to be in discussions with various satcom companies to arrive at a commercially sustainable model.

Satcom Players in Consideration

IndiGo is reportedly holding discussions with major satellite service providers, including Intelsat, Inmarsat-Viasat, and Hughes Communications. These companies are expected to deliver services through partnerships with Indian Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) operators such as Nelco and BSNL.

There is also interest in exploring emerging technologies like Low Earth Orbit satellite networks operated by Starlink, OneWeb, and Amazon Kuiper, although these players are still in the process of complying with regulatory requirements in India.

Regulatory Approvals and Delays

The expected rollout was initially tied to IndiGo’s 19-year celebration in August 2025, but delays in the regulatory process have pushed the timeline closer to November 2025.

The approval process involves multiple agencies, primarily the Department of Telecommunications and DGCA, and depends on the readiness of the technology and the security clearances of the satcom providers.

Read More: Delhivery Share Price Rises Over 2%, Hits 9-Month High! 

Entertainment Content Already Being Trialled

In preparation for a richer in-flight experience, IndiGo had earlier trialled entertainment content on the Delhi-Goa route from May to July 2024. Passengers could access a variety of content such as films, music, games and live maps via the airline’s app while flying at cruising altitude.

This earlier pilot served as a precursor to the full-fledged in-flight connectivity experience now being planned.

Conclusion

The implementation of in-flight connectivity is expected to enhance the overall passenger experience, particularly for business travellers who prioritise productivity during travel. As of now, the service remains in its development phase with significant dependencies on regulatory and financial factors.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities or companies mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation or investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in securities are subject to market risks. Read all related documents carefully before investing.