IndiGo, the largest airline in India, will temporarily halt its Mumbai-Manchester route starting August 31, 2026. The suspension is due to ongoing airspace restrictions, increased flight durations, and escalating operational costs. The airline attributes these challenges to broader issues impacting international aviation, such as geopolitical tensions, rising fuel prices, and disruptions in flight paths that have made long-haul operations more expensive.
As a result of this decision, IndiGo plans to return one of the six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. These aircraft were initially brought on board in early 2025 to facilitate the airline’s expansion into European markets while waiting for its own Airbus A350 fleet to be delivered. Despite this setback, IndiGo emphasizes that the suspension is temporary and reassures customers that its other international long-haul flights will continue as planned.
IndiGo has seen a strong demand for its European routes, which have bolstered the airline’s presence in significant international markets. However, constraints such as extended flight times, rising costs of aviation turbine fuel, and volatility in foreign exchange rates have made sustaining the Manchester route financially difficult. Abhijit Dasgupta, Senior Vice President of Network Planning and Revenue Management, expressed that while the decision is regrettable, it is necessary given the current operating environment. He also highlighted the positive customer feedback for the service and the airline’s intention to resume the route when conditions improve.
The airline is also looking at other ways to maintain its partnership with Norse Atlantic Airways and continues to focus on its long-term international expansion strategy. Passengers affected by the route suspension will receive notifications ahead of time and will be offered assistance, including options for alternative travel arrangements or refunds, as applicable.