IndiGo to end Manchester flights

IndiGo to end Manchester flights as Norse aircraft returns to Europe operations

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Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo will discontinue flights between Manchester and India later this year, with rising operational costs and airspace-related constraints cited as key reasons behind the decision.

The airline confirmed that one of the Boeing 787-9 aircraft currently operated through its partnership with Norse Atlantic Airways will be returned to Norse on 31 August 2026.

The announcement was made as part of a statement released by Norse Atlantic, which said the aircraft would subsequently be deployed on the airline’s own winter operations between Europe and Thailand.

IndiGo stated that increasing operational costs, alongside longer flight times caused by ongoing airspace restrictions, had made the Manchester route commercially challenging.

In a statement, IndiGo said:

“Longer flying times due to airspace constraints combined with dramatically escalating costs compelled us to take the decision to discontinue India – Manchester services.”

The airline added that demand for the route had been encouraging and suggested the suspension may only be temporary.

Manchester became one of IndiGo’s first long-haul destinations operated using leased Boeing 787-9 aircraft provided by Norse Atlantic under an ACMI agreement.

Norse Atlantic confirmed that despite the return of one aircraft, the remainder of its partnership with IndiGo will continue as planned.

The redeployed Boeing 787-9 is expected to support expanded Norse Atlantic operations between Europe and Thailand during the upcoming winter season.

Further details regarding IndiGo’s future long-haul expansion plans are expected in the coming months.