IndiGo Launches Mumbai-Manchester Flights: A Indicator of What’s To Come?

IndiGo launched flights between Mumbai and Manchester on July 1, marking a new era in the airline and the airport’s direction.

The UK airport is the airline’s first European destination, with many more to come in due course.

Is this an indicator of what’s to come for the Indian airline?

The Mumbai-Manchester Flights…

The new flights between Manchester and Mumbai with IndiGo represent the only flights between a Northern airport and India’s financial capital.

Utilising a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on lease from Norse Atlantic Airways, the service operated without a hitch.

The Indian carrier will lease six of the Dreamliners to bolster their international footprint to start with.

This has enabled them to launch flights to Bangkok as well.

Furthermore, the Indian carrier is waiting for the delivery of their Airbus A321XLR aircraft this year and their A350-900s from 2027 onwards.

Such an airframe features the following layout in terms of seating:

• 56 IndiGoStretch seats.
• 282 Economy seats.

The thrice-weekly service will benefit business travellers and tourists alike.

Commenting on the launch of flights between Manchester & Mumbai was IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers:

“As we embark on our long-haul journey with the launch of direct flights between Mumbai and Manchester, this moment marks our transition from a successful regional carrier to one with growing global relevance.”

“This new service, operated by our Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, damp-leased from Norse Atlantic Airways, ensures greater comfort, seamless connectivity, and choice to our customers.”

“We are also delighted to offer specially curated complimentary hot meals and beverages to all passengers, with an elevated dining and service experience.”

“This milestone is also a reflection of IndiGo’s growing global ambition and its contribution to India’s emergence as a global aviation hub.”

“We are confident that this route will not only serve the large diaspora but also strengthen the economic and cultural ties between the two countries.”

Amsterdam Coming Next: More To Come from IndiGo?

The new flights from IndiGo between Mumbai and Manchester represents the start, and not a pause.

On July 2, the airline will also be launching flights to Amsterdam from the Indian financial capital.

So this means that for their European framework, Amsterdam and Manchester will be the starting points within this.

It is clear that the airline is trying to make it’s mark whilst they await delivery of their long-haul aircraft, and will add to their European portfolio as time goes on.

Moreover, it is clear that they are constrained by operational capability in the meantime, but are eager to make a strong start.

After tomorrow’s flights have taken place, then it represents a very successful week for the Indian airline thus far.

What Is Next For The Airline?

IndiGo has made big waves this week through their new flights to Manchester and Amsterdam from Mumbai, but it is clear that more is on the way.

Whilst they await deliveries of their Airbus A321XLRs and A350-900s between now and 2027, they will no doubt be utilising the Norse Atlantic Airways Boeing 787s as much as possible in this regard.

You also have to remember that the airline also has Boeing 777-300ERs that they are leasing from Turkish Airlines too.

This special relationship with Turkish Airlines has meant that they can place their 5E code on flights into the U.S as well.

So it is clear that the airline has been able to adapt to the constraints well, and will do anything to expand their presence internationally.

What is going to be interesting is whether they can become a significant competitor to Air India on the international stage.

The low-cost carrier already dominates well in it’s home country and nearby, but the international stage is something completely different.

Under the guise of CEO Pieter Elbers, who used to run Dutch carrier KLM, the knowledge and experience is there already to start this level of domination.

With Air India also growing at a strong rate, they have their own issues to be contending with, which could work to IndiGo’s advantage.

But one thing is for certain.

IndiGo is on the warpath, and they are looking to attack hard within their means, and continue this sustainable growth well towards the end of the decade and beyond.

It is most definitely a strong indicator of what is yet to come for the thriving Indian carrier.

All eyes are on them.