India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has decided to temporarily halt its Mumbai-Manchester route starting August 31, 2026, due to extended airspace restrictions, increased flight durations, and rising operational costs. The airline cited several ongoing challenges impacting international aviation, such as geopolitical tensions, higher fuel prices, and disruptions in routes, which have collectively heightened the expense of running long-haul flights.
In light of these challenges, IndiGo will return one of the six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. These aircraft were initially obtained in early 2025 to aid the airline’s expansion into European destinations ahead of its own Airbus A350 fleet arrival. Despite the suspension of the Manchester route, IndiGo confirmed that its other long-haul international services will continue as planned.
The airline emphasized that its expansion into Europe had seen robust customer demand, reinforcing its presence in significant international markets. However, the financial viability of the Manchester route has been strained by extended flight times caused by airspace issues, along with rising costs of aviation turbine fuel and currency exchange fluctuations.
Abhijit Dasgupta, Senior Vice President of Network Planning and Revenue Management at IndiGo, acknowledged the decision as regrettable but necessary given the current operating environment. He highlighted the positive customer feedback for the service and expressed the airline’s aspiration to resume these flights once circumstances improve. Additionally, IndiGo is considering alternative strategies to maintain its partnership with Norse Atlantic Airways while pursuing its long-term international expansion goals.
IndiGo assured that passengers affected by the route suspension would receive prior notice and be provided with assistance. This includes offering alternative travel options or refunds when applicable, ensuring that customer convenience remains a priority even amidst operational adjustments.