IndiGo, India’s most prominent airline, has decided to put its Mumbai-Manchester service on hold temporarily starting August 31, 2026. This suspension is due to prolonged airspace restrictions, which have led to longer flight durations, as well as escalating operational costs. These challenges are part of broader issues currently impacting the international aviation sector, where geopolitical tensions, soaring fuel prices, and disrupted routes are driving up the expenses of long-haul flights.
To address these complications, IndiGo will return one of the six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft it leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. These aircraft were initially procured in early 2025 to facilitate the airline’s expansion into European destinations ahead of the anticipated arrival of its Airbus A350 fleet. Despite the setback, the airline has assured that its other long-haul international routes will remain unaffected and continue as planned.
The decision to halt the Manchester route, according to IndiGo, is temporary. The airline has successfully created a robust customer base in Europe, enhancing its global footprint. However, the combination of extended flight times due to airspace limitations, increased aviation fuel costs, and volatile foreign exchange rates has rendered the Manchester route economically unsustainable for the time being.
Abhijit Dasgupta, who serves as the Senior Vice President of Network Planning and Revenue Management at IndiGo, expressed that the decision was a difficult but necessary response to the prevailing conditions. He emphasized the positive reception the route had received from customers and reassured that IndiGo plans to resume the service once the operational environment becomes more favorable.
In light of the suspension, IndiGo is also considering other avenues to maintain its partnership with Norse Atlantic Airways and advance its long-term strategy for international growth. Customers impacted by the route’s suspension will be informed in advance and provided with support, which includes alternative travel options or refunds where applicable.