NEW DELHI: IndiGo on Tuesday announced that it will temporarily discontinue its wide-body flight operations to and from Manchester starting August 31. The decision comes amid longer flight routes due to airspace restrictions linked to the ongoing Iran conflict, rising aviation turbine fuel (ATF) costs, and foreign exchange volatility.
Return of Dreamliner Aircraft
The budget airline will return one of the six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft it had taken on a damp lease—hired along with operating crew—from Norse Atlantic Airways in early 2025. This move is part of the carrier's strategy to adjust its long-haul operations in response to challenging market conditions.
Management Statement
Abhijit Dasgupta, a senior executive at IndiGo, commented on the development: "We inducted these aircraft to fast-track our connectivity to high-potential long-haul destinations and witnessed a very encouraging response. It is unfortunate that longer flying times and rising costs compelled us to take this decision."
The airline had initially deployed the Dreamliners to expand its presence on routes to Europe, including Manchester, which saw strong demand. However, the combination of extended flight paths due to the Iran conflict—forcing aircraft to take longer alternate routes—and escalating operational expenses made the service unsustainable.
Impact on Operations
IndiGo's wide-body operations are a relatively new venture for the carrier, which has traditionally focused on narrow-body aircraft for domestic and short-haul international routes. The temporary suspension of Manchester flights reflects the broader challenges faced by airlines globally, including geopolitical tensions, fuel price hikes, and currency fluctuations.
The airline has not specified whether other long-haul destinations will be affected or if the suspension will extend beyond Manchester. IndiGo continues to evaluate its network and may reintroduce services when conditions improve.
