IndiGo direct flights to UK: Airline makes long-haul debut on Mumbai–Manchester route; check schedule

IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, has launched its first direct long-haul service between Mumbai and Manchester, marking a significant milestone in its international expansion strategy. The thrice-weekly flights will operate using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft under a damp lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways, the company said Tuesday.The new route signals IndiGo’s entry into the long-haul segment and aligns with its broader global growth strategy titled ‘Towards New Heights and across New Frontiers’. The service is expected to cater to business travellers, students, tourists, and the Indian diaspora in the UK, while boosting economic, cultural, and educational exchanges between the two countries, ET reported.“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 of 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 features a two-class configuration with 56 IndiGoStretch seats and 282 Economy seats, each equipped with seatback screens providing 300 hours of in-flight entertainment. All passengers will receive complimentary hot meals featuring regional Indian cuisine curated from domestic brands.Flight schedule (local times):

The Manchester launch is part of IndiGo’s broader FY25 internationalisation plan, which includes launching services to 10 new overseas destinations, such as London, Athens, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Siem Reap, and four Central Asian cities. IndiGo has stated it aims to grow its international network from 40 to 50 destinations by the end of the financial year.“There is tremendous opportunity in Indian aviation, where surging demand is being matched by rapid infrastructure growth,” Elbers had said in May.IndiGo currently operates more than 2,300 flights daily with a fleet exceeding 430 aircraft, serving over 90 domestic and 40 international locations. The airline has also planned over 100 new routes for the current financial year.