IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has revealed plans to temporarily halt its Mumbai-Manchester route starting August 31, 2026. The decision comes as the airline grapples with ongoing challenges in international aviation, such as prolonged airspace restrictions, increased flight durations, and rising operating costs. These factors, coupled with geopolitical tensions, soaring fuel prices, and disrupted routes, have substantially heightened the expenses of maintaining long-haul flights.
In response to these challenges, IndiGo will return one of the six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft it had leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. These aircraft were initially acquired in early 2025 to facilitate the airline’s expansion into European markets in anticipation of its own Airbus A350 fleet joining the roster. Despite the suspension, IndiGo assures that its other long-haul international services will continue unaffected, maintaining regular operations.
The airline emphasized that its foray into Europe has been marked by robust customer demand, solidifying its foothold in key international markets. However, the Manchester route has become financially burdensome due to longer flight times caused by airspace constraints, rising aviation turbine fuel costs, and foreign exchange volatility. Abhijit Dasgupta, Senior Vice President of Network Planning and Revenue Management, described the suspension as a regrettable yet necessary measure given the current operational circumstances.
Dasgupta further expressed optimism about resuming the route when conditions improve, noting the positive customer response to the service. Meanwhile, IndiGo is actively seeking alternative strategies to continue its partnership with Norse Atlantic Airways and advance its broader international growth objectives. Passengers affected by the route suspension will receive prior notification and assistance, including alternative travel options or refunds where applicable.