IndiGo launches Manchester-Mumbai route as first long-haul service

Indian airline IndiGo has started selling flights between Manchester and Mumbai as the carrier expands to begin long-haul services.

The route will operate three times a week – on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday – on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, with the first departure on July 1.

Manchester has been chosen as the airline’s first base in Europe in recognition of the large population with Indian heritage in the airport’s catchment area.

IndiGo chief executive Pieter Elbers said: “IndiGo’s long-haul foray marks a pivotal moment in our global expansion journey. We are very proud as well as excited to open the sale of our first long-haul service connecting Mumbai with Manchester, a very special route in many ways.”

Manchester airport managing director Chris Woodroofe said: “This route makes us the only northern airport with a direct connection to India and cements our position as one of Europe’s best-connected airports.

“It will link the region to the world’s fastest growing economy, opening up even stronger trade and investment opportunities. 

“It will connect half a million people with Indian heritage who live in Manchester airport’s catchment area to family and friends, and it will capitalise on the wide-ranging cultural and economic ties that exist.”

IndiGo, which is India’s biggest airline, served more than 118 million passengers last year across its network of more than 90 destinations in India and 40 international destinations. It has a fleet of more than 400 aircraft. 

Travellers between Manchester and Mumbai will receive complimentary hot meals and will be able to choose between an economy service and the airline’s new IndiGoStretch service, which is aimed at business travellers.

The carrier will soon also start flying from Amsterdam to Mumbai.