India’s leading airline, IndiGo, has decided to temporarily halt its Mumbai-Manchester flights starting August 31, 2026. This decision comes in response to ongoing airspace restrictions, extended flight durations, and rising operational expenses. The airline cites several challenges impacting international aviation, such as geopolitical tensions, elevated fuel prices, and disruptions in flight routes, which have collectively increased the costs associated with long-haul operations.
As part of this adjustment, IndiGo will be returning one of the six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft it had leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. These aircraft had been leased in early 2025 with the intent of expanding IndiGo’s reach into European markets, in anticipation of the delivery of its own Airbus A350 fleet. Despite the suspension of the Manchester route, the airline has confirmed that its other long-haul international services will continue to operate as planned.
IndiGo’s foray into European destinations has been marked by strong customer demand and has bolstered the airline’s presence in significant international markets. Nevertheless, the combination of prolonged flight times due to airspace issues, along with rising aviation turbine fuel costs and currency fluctuations, has rendered the Manchester route financially unsustainable. Abhijit Dasgupta, Senior Vice President of Network Planning and Revenue Management, acknowledged the necessity of the suspension under current conditions, despite the positive customer response to the service. He emphasized the airline’s commitment to reinstating the route once the situation improves.
The airline is also exploring alternative ways to maintain its partnership with Norse Atlantic Airways as it continues to pursue its long-term international growth objectives. Passengers who are affected by the suspension will receive advance notice and will be provided assistance, including options for alternative travel arrangements or refunds where applicable.