InterGlobe Aviation Limited, which operates as IndiGo, will temporarily discontinue flight operations to and from Manchester effective August 31, 2026. The airline cited international airspace constraints leading to significantly increased flight duration and a challenging cost environment. IndiGo will return one of six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft taken on damp lease to Norse Atlantic Airways.
IndiGo had damp leased six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from Norse Atlantic Airways in early 2025 to establish the IndiGo brand in the European market ahead of deploying its own Airbus A350 aircraft. The airline has since experienced significant impact from geopolitical developments in the Middle East, rising aviation turbine fuel costs, severe airspace constraints, and foreign exchange volatility, resulting in operating costs being considerably higher than originally envisaged.
Abhijit Dasgupta, Senior Vice President of Network Planning and Revenue Management at IndiGo, said the airline inducted these wide-body aircraft on a short-term basis to fast-track connectivity to high-potential long-haul destinations and witnessed very encouraging demand on the Manchester route. Longer flying times due to airspace constraints and dramatically escalating costs compelled the temporary discontinuation of India-Manchester services.
Dasgupta stated the discontinuation is temporary and IndiGo looks forward to serving the route again at the earliest viable opportunity. He added that the airline is exploring innovative solutions to continue its collaboration with Norse Atlantic Airways.
IndiGo will continue operating all its remaining long-haul flights as planned. The airline will notify affected customers in advance and assist them with alternate travel arrangements or refunds where applicable.
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