IndiGo Flying High! Indian Major Beats Delta to Become World's Most Valuable Airline

IndiGo has become the world’s most valuable airline after it surpassed US-based Delta Airlines in terms of market capitalisation on Wednesday. It’s market capitalisation increased to $23.24 billion compared to $23.17 bn of Delta Airlines, according to Bloomberg data. 

On Wednesday, the shares of IndiGo’s parent company, Interglobe Aviation, concluded the trading session at Rs 5,194, up by 0.73% on the national stock exchange. On a year-to-date basis, the stocks of the company increased by 13.04% to Rs 5,194. 

The development is huge for the Indian airline industry as IndiGo is the only Indian carrier among the world’s top 10 airlines, including Deutsche Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and Air China.

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In the Indian context, IndiGo and Air India Group together hold more than 90% of the domestic passenger market. According to aviation analytics firm Cirium’s data, IndiGo operates 15,768 flights per week. 

IndiGo’s parent, InterGlobe Aviation reported a dip of 18.6% in net profits to Rs 2,449 cr in Q3 FY25 from Rs 2,998 cr in Q3 FY24. The company mentioned in an exchange filing that the decrease in profit was mainly due to a shift in the festival season, which had earlier boosted air passenger traffic. In the previous quarter ending in September 2024, the airline reported a net loss of Rs 987 cr due to higher airport fees, aircraft maintenance costs, and fuel expenses.

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IndiGo Scaling Cargo Operations 

IndiGo is eyeing to scale its cargo business with a major focus on international operations expansion and improvement in aircraft utilisation. The cargo arm of the airline giant is aiming for a low double-digit rise both in terms of revenue and tonnage, the Economic Times reported. 

“We are looking at early double digits in growth because you want to outgrow your capacity. The market is growing 7% and I’d like to make sure I’m in early double digits to outgrow that,” IndiGo CarGo’s chief commercial officer, Mark Sutch, told ET. 

To meet its aim, the airline is planning to enter new markets like Saudi Arabia and the Maldives and at the same time strengthen, its hold in existing markets like China and Vietnam.