Currently, the airline operates flights to Manchester (UK) from Delhi and Mumbai. These services were launched in July last year. The airline stated that ongoing international airspace restrictions have caused significantly longer flight times, making for a challenging operating environment.
“Due to ongoing international airspace restrictions that have led to considerably longer flight durations and a difficult cost environment, IndiGo is compelled to temporarily suspend its flight services to and from Manchester effective August 31, 2026,” as per a filing with the stock exchange.
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In light of this decision, IndiGo intends to return one of the six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. The airline affirmed that all other long-haul flights will continue as scheduled.
IndiGo had acquired the six Boeing 787-9 aircraft in early 2025 to strengthen its foothold in the European market ahead of introducing its own Airbus A350 aircraft.
The airline noted that geopolitical factors in the Middle East, rising aviation turbine fuel costs, stringent airspace limitations, and currency fluctuations have escalated operating expenses beyond initial forecasts.
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Abhijit Dasgupta, Senior Vice President – Network Planning & Revenue Management at IndiGo, remarked, “We brought these wide-body aircraft on a short-term basis to accelerate our connectivity to high-potential long-haul destinations like Manchester and received very promising demand responses.
It is unfortunate that extended flight times due to airspace issues, combined with rapidly rising costs, have necessitated our decision to temporarily halt our India – Manchester services. We extend our gratitude to our customers and trade partners in India and the UK, as well as at Manchester Airport, for their tremendous support.”
IndiGo will inform affected customers ahead of time and assist them with various options, including alternative travel arrangements or refunds where necessary. Shares of Interglobe Aviation Ltd closed at ₹4,478.70, down ₹26.90, or 0.60%, on the BSE.
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(Edited by : Jomy Jos Pullokaran)
First Published: Jun 2, 2026 10:09 PM IST
