IndiGo begins first long-haul Mumbai–Manchester flight with Dreamliner

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, July 5, 2025: IndiGo, India’s largest and most preferred airline inaugurated its first ever, direct long-haul service connecting Mumbai and Manchester, United Kingdom. This is a significant move that paves the way for IndiGo to become a global airline offering enhanced connectivity between India and key global markets. This also signifies successful execution of IndiGo’s internationalisation strategy – ‘Towards New Heights and across New Frontiers’.

This new direct connection will significantly enhance accessibility between Mumbai, India’s financial capital, and Manchester, a major economic and cultural hub in Northern England. The service is expected to benefit business travellers, tourists, students, and the Indian diaspora residing in the United Kingdom, fostering stronger economic, educational, and cultural ties. IndiGo will operate 3x weekly flights making it the only airline to offer connectivity between the two cities.

Mr. Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo, said, “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.”

The Mumbai–Manchester route will be operated by IndiGo’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft (on damp lease from Norse Atlantic Airways) featuring a two-class cabin configuration comprising 56 IndiGoStretch seats and 282 Economy seats. All seats feature seatback screens for in-flight entertainment – around 300 hours of content with movies and TV shows across a balanced mix of comedy, romance, drama and action. Celebrating India and its unique cuisines, specially curated complimentary hot meals and beverages, by iconic home-grown Indian brands, will be served to all customers on our long-haul routes.

Flight Schedule:

 

IndiGo continues to expand its international footprint with a modern fleet and a commitment to operational excellence.

IndiGo has been recently recognised as the ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’ at the prestigious 2025 World Airline Awards by Skytrax.

Services offered by Indigo:

– Customers in the stretch cabin are offered welcome drinks that remind them of home.
– Authentic Indian flavours along with choice of international menu.
– Customers flying in the stretch cabin get four meal choices – vegetarian Indian and international, non-vegetarian Indian and international meals
– The default meal for economy class is thoughtfully crafted Indian vegetarian delicacies, however non-vegetarian meals can be pre-booked at no cost
– Alcoholic beverages from celebrated Indian brands like Sula, Amrut, Stranger & Sons – complimentary in the Stretch cabin and available to buy in economy class.
– Exclusive overlays on board, enabling its customers to experience tradition, style and stories as they fly with the airline. Every overlay (complimentary in the Stretch cabin and available to buy at a nominal cost in economy class) brings alive a legacy of craft, region, and design. The airline also offers specially designed pillows on board.
– To make every journey restful, IndiGo offers its calming Sleep Spray on board. These are thoughtfully blended with Lavender and Vetiver — two natural ingredients long celebrated for their relaxing properties. A quick spritz on the pillow or sleep mask helps ease the mind and invites peaceful sleep.
– Sustainable dental kits on board packed with a wheat straw toothbrush and vegan, cruelty-free toothpaste.
– Specially developed for IndiGoStretch, 4700 BC introduced Blue Chips – a bold flavour for the skies. Made from naturally blue corn, these artisanal chips are a crunchy celebration of quality and innovation.
– As a parting gift, IndiGo offers a sweet tribute to India’s vibrant spirit with a tricolour mithai, blending nostalgia and indulgence in every bite. Crafted in three distinct layers — creamy white chocolate sandwiched between tangy green and zesty orange aam papad — it’s a playful fusion of traditional flavours and modern flair.