IndiGo to discontinue Manchester operations from August 31 amid higher operating costs

InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, the parent firm of IndiGo, on Tuesday (June 2) said it will temporarily discontinue flight operations to and from Manchester, United Kingdom, with effect from August 31, 2026, amid rising operational and cost pressures.

The airline said continuing international airspace constraints have led to significantly longer flight durations, contributing to a challenging operating environment.

Following the decision, IndiGo plans to return one of the six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft taken on damp or wet lease from Norse Atlantic Airways. The airline said all remaining long-haul flights will continue to operate as planned.

IndiGo had leased the six Boeing 787-9 aircraft in early 2025 to expand its presence in the European market ahead of inducting its own Airbus A350 aircraft.

The airline said geopolitical developments in the Middle East, higher aviation turbine fuel costs, severe airspace constraints and foreign exchange volatility have increased operating costs beyond earlier estimates.

Abhijit Dasgupta, Senior Vice President - Network Planning & Revenue Management, IndiGo, said, "We inducted these wide-body aircraft on a short-term basis to fast-track our connectivity to high-potential long-haul destinations such as Manchester, and witnessed very encouraging demand response.

It is, therefore, unfortunate that longer flying times due to airspace constraints, coupled with dramatically escalating costs, compelled us to take the decision to temporarily discontinue our India – Manchester services. We would like to thank our customers, trade partners in India and in the UK, and at Manchester Airport, for their amazing support."

IndiGo will notify affected customers in advance and assist them with all possible options, including alternate travel arrangements or refunds, where applicable.

Shares of Interglobe Aviation Ltd ended at ₹4,478.70, down by ₹26.90, or 0.60%, on the BSE.