IndiGo announced that it will suspend its flights to and from Manchester starting August 31 due to ongoing international airspace limitations, resulting in extended flight times and cost challenges. The airline will be returning one of its six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, which was on a damp/wet lease, to Norse Atlantic Airways. Affected customers will be informed in advance and provided with options for alternate travel arrangements or refunds as needed, while the rest of IndiGo’s long-haul flights will continue as scheduled.
IndiGo had leased six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft from Norse Atlantic Airways in early 2025 with the aim of establishing its brand in the European market before introducing its own Airbus A350 aircraft. However, the airline faced various industry-wide issues, such as geopolitical changes in the Middle East, soaring aviation fuel costs, severe airspace limitations, and currency fluctuations, leading to higher operational expenses than anticipated.
Abhijit Dasgupta, Senior Vice President of Network Planning and Revenue Management at IndiGo, expressed regret over the decision to pause the India-Manchester services due to prolonged flight times and escalating costs caused by airspace constraints. Despite this temporary halt, IndiGo appreciates the support received from customers, trade partners in India and the UK, and Manchester Airport, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to its long-haul aspirations.
