IndiGo connects Manchester to Mumbai with direct flights

On July 1, 2025, India's budget airline IndiGo inaugurated direct flights between Manchester, UK, and Mumbai, India. This marked the airline's first long-haul service and the first nonstop route between these two cities. The inaugural flight landed at Manchester Airport at 9:40 AM after departing Mumbai earlier that day, enhancing connectivity between India and the UK. The flights are set to operate three times a week, offering both economy and business class options with competitive fares and complimentary meals. The introduction of this route is a significant milestone, as it makes Manchester Airport the only northern airport with direct access to India. IndiGo's CEO, Pieter Elbers, expressed pride in serving this route, which he believes will strengthen cultural and economic ties between the two countries. It offers travelers convenient connections to over 90 destinations in India, catering to the high demand for travel between the regions. Elbers described IndiGo not just as a low-cost carrier but as a rapidly growing airline that aims to expand its long-haul offerings. The airline aims to provide quality service while maintaining affordability, which is evident in their ticket pricing strategy. With one-way fares starting from under £300 and return tickets starting from £426, IndiGo is poised to attract both business and leisure travelers. The carrier is expected to target additional European destinations in the near future, furthering its ambitious growth strategy. As the route opens amid air travel recovery post-pandemic, it brings renewed hopes for stronger tourism and business interactions. Industry analysts have noted that this service comes at a crucial time, especially following a recent reduction in international services by Air India. The new Mumbai-Manchester route represents an optimistic step toward enhancing travel options between India and the UK, regardless of recent challenges.