IndiGo Airlines (6E, Delhi International) has refuted reports that it is in talks with Embraer over a deal for regional jets to bolster capacity amid an ongoing fleet expansion.

Citing unnamed insiders, Bloomberg reported on August 7, 2026, that the airline was considering purchasing "dozens" of Embraer E2 aircraft that would allow the carrier to replace its fleet of ATR - Avions de Transport Régional turboprops even as it continues to take delivery of Airbus narrowbodies.

A company spokesperson told ch-aviation, however, that the reports, which come days after the airline confirmed it will delay any decisions on new aircraft orders until 2030, are based on speculation.

IndiGo co-founder and managing director, Rahul Bhatia, told the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency in July 2026 that the airline is "pretty well set" until 2035 in terms of orders, noting that it will take time to assess the development of next-generation aircraft.

Referring to Bhatia's comments, the spokesperson noted that his views on the airline's fleet expansion have been clearly stated and that the carrier has not changed its position on the matter.

The decision does not affect the carrier's existing order book, which comprises 880 aircraft, including 222 A320-200Ns, 532 A321-200NX jets, sixty-six A321-200NY(XLR)s, and sixty A350-900s with options for another 40.

The airline currently operates 428 aircraft, comprising twenty-six A320-200s, one hundred seventy-four A320-200Ns, three A321-200(P2F)s, one hundred seventy-eight A321-200NX units, three A321-200NY(XLR)s and forty-four ATR72-600s.

It also damp leases six B787-9s from Norse Atlantic, although that agreement will end when IndiGo discontinues its B787 operations from October 25, 2026.

Type certification

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation recently awarded type certification to multiple aircraft from Embraer's E-Jet family, including the E190, E195, and E195-E2 variants, joining the E170 which is already operated by regional carrier Star Air (India).

The manufacturer has since reportedly been in talks with Alliance Air (India) over a possible order for an undisclosed number of regional jets.

Meanwhile, Embraer and Indian conglomerate Adani Defence & Aerospace have confirmed plans to set up a new final assembly line in India, although the manufacturer notes that the initiative will depend on the company receiving orders for at least 200 aircraft.