IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has decided to temporarily suspend its Mumbai-Manchester route starting August 31, 2026. The suspension is attributed to ongoing airspace restrictions, extended flight durations, and rising operating costs, which have made the route financially unsustainable. The airline cited geopolitical tensions, increased fuel prices, and route disruptions as key factors driving up the cost of long-haul operations in the international aviation sector.
As part of this strategic move, IndiGo will return one of the six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. These aircraft were initially leased in early 2025 to facilitate the airline’s expansion into European markets, ahead of the arrival of its own Airbus A350 fleet. Despite the suspension of the Manchester route, IndiGo emphasized that its other long-haul international services will remain unaffected and continue as scheduled.
IndiGo’s foray into Europe has been met with robust customer demand, establishing the airline’s foothold in key international markets. However, the airline has struggled with the financial viability of the Manchester route due to prolonged airspace constraints, increasing 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 decision under the current conditions. He affirmed that customer feedback for the service has been positive and reiterated the airline’s commitment to resuming flights when the situation improves.
IndiGo also announced its intention to explore alternative collaborations with Norse Atlantic Airways as it continues to pursue its long-term international growth objectives. Passengers affected by the route suspension will be contacted in advance and provided with assistance, including alternative travel options or refunds, where applicable.
