IndiGo’s Stretch Play: Can Air India Even Keep Up?

Let’s be honest—India’s airline wars have always been messy. But right now? It’s IndiGo’s world, and everyone else is just paying airport taxes. With 60% of the market locked down, they’re not just leading the race, they’re lapping the competition. And this new “Stretch” thing they’re rolling out? It’s got Air India sweating bullets. Like, seriously.

How IndiGo Became the King of Cheap Seats

Back in 2006, when IndiGo started, people thought they were crazy. “Another budget airline? Really?” But here’s the thing—they didn’t just sell cheap tickets. They obsessed over getting planes to take off on time (wild concept, I know) and kept costs so tight you’d think they were running a dhaba, not an airline.

By 2012—boom—they were number one. And get this: they’ve stayed there by doing one thing most Indian companies suck at—keeping it simple. Same type of planes (all those A320s), crazy fast turnarounds, and absolutely no “empire building” nonsense. Meanwhile, Air India’s over here with 26% market share like “Hey, remember when we were cool in the 80s?”

The “Stretch” Move: Genius or Desperation?

So now IndiGo’s adding legroom and fancy meals? That’s like McDonald’s suddenly serving truffle fries. My cousin Rakesh—who flies twice a month for work—put it best: “It’s still economy class, just with enough space that my knees don’t scream for 2 hours.”

But here’s why this might work: India’s middle class wants nice things but still checks prices three times before buying. IndiGo’s giving them that “I’m fancy but not stupid” sweet spot. And timing? Perfect—right when Air India’s dumping billions into makeovers nobody asked for.

Air India’s Comeback Attempt: Too Little, Too Late?

Tata’s trying everything—merging airlines, buying 470 new planes (seriously, where do they park all those?), even that cringey “We’re cool now” ad campaign. But man, that debt’s hanging over them like Delhi’s smog in November.

Funny part? Their international flights should be their strength, but it’s actually the problem. While IndiGo’s crushing it domestically, Air India’s stuck trying to be two airlines at once—like some overworked uncle running a paan shop and a real estate business.

Who’s Gonna Win This Fight?

• Planes: IndiGo’s got 300+ identical workhorses. Air India? Half their fleet probably still has ashtrays from the 70s.
• Passengers: IndiGo gets you there on time. Air India gets you there… eventually… with a side of nostalgia.
• Money: IndiGo prints cash. Air India’s balance sheet looks like my college loan statements.

What Happens Next?

Here’s my take: Indians want cheap tickets but hate feeling poor. IndiGo’s “Stretch” gets that. Air India? They’re betting people will pay extra for… what exactly? Free champagne that tastes like cough syrup?

But hey, in a country where Kingfisher went from “flying palace” to “court cases” overnight, anything can happen. Place your bets—my money’s on the guys who actually know how to run an airline.

Source: Livemint – Industry