IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has decided to temporarily halt its flights from Mumbai to Manchester starting August 31, 2026. The airline attributes this decision to ongoing airspace restrictions, increased flight durations, and a rise in operating expenses. Challenges such as geopolitical tensions, surging fuel prices, and disruptions to flight routes have made the cost of operating long-haul services significantly higher, prompting this move.
In line with the suspension, IndiGo will return one of the six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft that it had leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. These aircraft, leased in early 2025, were initially intended to facilitate the airline’s expansion into European markets ahead of receiving its own Airbus A350 fleet. Despite this setback, the airline assures that its other long-haul international routes will continue to operate as planned, with the suspension being a temporary measure.
IndiGo’s expansion into Europe had seen robust customer demand, establishing a strong presence in key international markets. However, the combination of extended flight times due to airspace limitations, increased aviation fuel costs, and currency fluctuations have rendered the Manchester route financially unviable. Abhijit Dasgupta, Senior Vice President of Network Planning and Revenue Management, described the suspension as an unfortunate but necessary response to the current conditions, emphasizing that the airline remains committed to resuming flights when circumstances improve.
The airline is also looking into alternative strategies to maintain its partnership with Norse Atlantic Airways, as part of its broader international growth objectives. IndiGo aims to continue its collaboration while navigating the current challenges in the aviation sector. Passengers impacted by the suspension will receive advance notifications and be offered assistance, including options for alternative travel arrangements or refunds where applicable.