The North’s only direct connection to Mumbai has proved so popular that it will increase in frequency from today
Thousands of people have used the three-times-per-week route between Manchester Airport and Mumbai since it launched in July – becoming IndiGo’s first European route in the process.
Now IndiGo has announced that the route has increased to four weekly services from today.
The expansion has been welcomed by Manchester’s Consul General of India and the Manchester India Partnership, who have spoken about the benefits the route has already brought to the North.
Even before the increase, a study from independent experts Metro-Dynamics backed the route to deliver an economic boost worth hundreds of millions to the North over the next three years through exports, employment, visitors to the region and more.
Now that benefit is set to be turbo-charged by the increased frequency.
Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe said:
“Here at Manchester Airport we are proud to connect the North to the World and few routes epitomise what that really means more than IndiGo’s connection to Mumbai.
“It’s connecting travellers to a vibrant and exciting destination, businesses to one of the world’s biggest financial hubs and the North’s Indian diaspora to friends and family.
“That’s why it’s no surprise that IndiGo is increasing the frequency of the route already. We all ways knew a connection between the UK’s global gateway in the North and India’s financial capital would be popular – and that has proven to be the case.
“This is obviously great news for people and businesses in the region – because we know that this route is driving economic benefits worth many millions of pounds each year – but it’s also a real statement of intent from IndiGo and I’m looking forward to our continued partnership.”
Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo said:
“International expansion is a key pillar of IndiGo’s next phase of growth, and like any global airline, the UK represents a strategically important market for us.
“The Mumbai-Manchester route, in particular, holds a special place in our journey, as it marked our foray into long-haul international operations.”
“Since its launch in July 2025, the route has consistently see a positive customer response and high uptake, reaffirming our proposition on the route. Encouraged by this strong response, we are pleased to announce an increase in frequency on this route and look forward to adding more capacity in due course.”
