IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, has launched its first direct long-haul service connecting Mumbai and Manchester. The thrice-weekly service is part of the carrier’s broader strategy to expand globally and strengthen ties between India and key international markets.
The airline will operate Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on the Mumbai–Manchester route under a damp lease arrangement with Norse Atlantic Airways. This marks IndiGo’s entry into long-haul operations and aligns with its internationalisation strategy titled ‘Towards New Heights and across New Frontiers’.
The new route is expected to benefit a wide range of travellers, including business professionals, students, tourists, and the Indian diaspora in the UK, while supporting economic, educational, and cultural exchange.
“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,” said Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo.
“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,” Elbers added.
The aircraft offers a two-class configuration with 56 IndiGoStretch seats and 282 Economy seats, each equipped with seatback screens offering 300 hours of entertainment. Complimentary meals will feature regional Indian cuisine from domestic brands, available for all passengers.
Flight Schedule (All times local):
In May, the airline outlined broader international plans for FY25, including flights to 10 new overseas destinations. These include London, Athens, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Siem Reap, and four Central Asian cities. IndiGo said it aimed to grow its global footprint from 40 to 50 international destinations within the financial year.
“There is tremendous opportunity in Indian aviation, where surging demand is being matched by rapid infrastructure growth,” Elbers had said.
Operating over 2,300 flights daily with a fleet exceeding 430 aircraft, IndiGo reported annual revenues of $10 billion. The airline now connects more than 90 domestic and 40 international locations, with plans to introduce over 100 new routes this financial year alone.
“India is in a hurry—and so is IndiGo,” Elbers had said in May.
The airline was recently awarded 'Best Airline in India and South Asia' at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards. IndiGo also highlighted its commitment to inclusive hiring, noting the highest number of female pilots in India and a strong LGBTQ+ workforce.
The airline will operate Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on the Mumbai–Manchester route under a damp lease arrangement with Norse Atlantic Airways. This marks IndiGo’s entry into long-haul operations and aligns with its internationalisation strategy titled ‘Towards New Heights and across New Frontiers’.
The new route is expected to benefit a wide range of travellers, including business professionals, students, tourists, and the Indian diaspora in the UK, while supporting economic, educational, and cultural exchange.
“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,” said Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo.
“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,” Elbers added.
The aircraft offers a two-class configuration with 56 IndiGoStretch seats and 282 Economy seats, each equipped with seatback screens offering 300 hours of entertainment. Complimentary meals will feature regional Indian cuisine from domestic brands, available for all passengers.
Flight Schedule (All times local):
- 6E 0031: Departs Mumbai at 04:25, arrives in Manchester at 10:05 (Tue, Thu, Sat)
- 6E 0032: Departs Manchester at 12:05, arrives in Mumbai at 01:55 (next day)
In May, the airline outlined broader international plans for FY25, including flights to 10 new overseas destinations. These include London, Athens, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Siem Reap, and four Central Asian cities. IndiGo said it aimed to grow its global footprint from 40 to 50 international destinations within the financial year.
“There is tremendous opportunity in Indian aviation, where surging demand is being matched by rapid infrastructure growth,” Elbers had said.
Operating over 2,300 flights daily with a fleet exceeding 430 aircraft, IndiGo reported annual revenues of $10 billion. The airline now connects more than 90 domestic and 40 international locations, with plans to introduce over 100 new routes this financial year alone.
“India is in a hurry—and so is IndiGo,” Elbers had said in May.
The airline was recently awarded 'Best Airline in India and South Asia' at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards. IndiGo also highlighted its commitment to inclusive hiring, noting the highest number of female pilots in India and a strong LGBTQ+ workforce.
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