IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has decided to temporarily suspend its Mumbai-Manchester service starting August 31, 2026. This move comes in response to extended airspace restrictions, increased flight durations, and rising operating expenses, which have made the route financially burdensome. The airline cites ongoing international aviation challenges such as geopolitical tensions, elevated fuel prices, and route disruptions as key factors increasing the costs associated with long-haul flights.
As part of this operational adjustment, IndiGo will return one of the six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft it leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. These aircraft were initially acquired in early 2025 to facilitate the airline’s expansion into European markets pending the arrival of its own Airbus A350 fleet. Despite this setback, IndiGo assures that the suspension is temporary and does not impact its other long-haul international routes, which will continue to function as planned.
IndiGo’s foray into Europe has been met with strong customer demand, establishing a solid foothold in key international markets. However, prolonged flight times due to airspace limitations, alongside increasing aviation turbine fuel costs and foreign exchange volatility, have rendered the Manchester route economically unviable. Abhijit Dasgupta, Senior Vice President of Network Planning and Revenue Management at IndiGo, described the decision as unfortunate but necessary given the current operating conditions. He emphasized that customer feedback has been positive, and the airline remains committed to resuming the route when circumstances allow.
The airline is also exploring ways to maintain collaboration with Norse Atlantic Airways as it continues to pursue its long-term international expansion strategy. Passengers affected by the suspension will be notified in advance and will receive support, including alternative travel arrangements or refunds where applicable. IndiGo’s commitment to its international growth remains steadfast, and the airline aims to overcome the current challenges to resume the service in the future.