IndiGo Launches First Direct Flight from Mumbai to Manchester

IndiGo, India’s largest and most popular airline, has launched its first-ever direct long-haul route linking Mumbai and Manchester. This milestone marks a major step in IndiGo’s journey towards becoming a truly global airline, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing international connectivity and supporting its ‘Towards New Heights and across New Frontiers’ strategy. The airline will operate three flights each week, making it the only carrier offering direct services between these two cities.

This new route will make travel between Mumbai, India’s financial hub, and Manchester, a key centre of commerce and culture in Northern England, much more accessible. It is set to benefit business travellers, tourists, students, and the Indian community living in the UK, encouraging stronger economic, educational, and cultural relations.

Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo, said, “As we embark on our long-haul journey with the launch of direct flights between Mumbai and Manchester, this moment marks our transition from a successful regional carrier to one with growing global relevance. This new service, operated by our Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, damp-leased from Norse Atlantic Airways, ensures greater comfort, seamless connectivity, and choice to our customers. We are also delighted to offer specially curated complimentary hot meals and beverages to all passengers, with an elevated dining and service experience. This milestone is also a reflection of IndiGo’s growing global ambition and its contribution to India’s emergence as a global aviation hub. We are confident that this route will not only serve the large diaspora but also strengthen the economic and cultural ties between the two countries.”  

The Mumbai–Manchester service will be operated by IndiGo’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring a two-class cabin with 56 IndiGoStretch seats and 282 Economy seats. All seats are equipped with personal entertainment screens offering around 300 hours of movies and TV shows across various genres, from comedy to drama. Passengers will also enjoy specially curated complimentary hot meals and drinks, showcasing India’s rich culinary heritage, served by renowned Indian brands.