IndiGo Launches Its First Long-Haul Route: Direct Flights Between Mumbai and Manchester
IndiGo, India’s largest airline, marked a historic milestone on Tuesday by launching its first-ever long-haul non-stop service between Mumbai, India, and Manchester, UK. With this new connection, IndiGo becomes the only airline offering direct flights between the two cities, reinforcing its internationalization strategy under the motto “To new heights and across new frontiers.”
A Decisive Step Toward Globalization
This launch represents IndiGo’s transition from a successful regional operator to a globally significant player. Pieter Elbers, the airline’s CEO, stated: “This direct service marks our evolution as a global airline. Operated with the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on a damp lease from Norse Atlantic Airways, we offer enhanced comfort, seamless connectivity, and more options for our customers.”
Elbers also emphasized that this international expansion will bolster India’s position as a global aviation hub and strengthen economic, educational, and cultural ties with the UK.
→ IndiGo Doubles Its Order for Airbus A350 Aircraft: Strong Bet on Long-Haul Flights
Service Details: Frequency, Schedules, and Onboard Comfort
Flights between Mumbai and Manchester operate three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—with the following local times:
| Flight | Origin | Destination | Departure | Arrival |
| 0031 | Mumbai | Manchester | 04:25 | 10:05 |
| 0032 | Manchester | Mumbai | 12:05 | 01:55 |
The route is served by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners configured with two classes: 56 IndiGoStretch seats and 282 in economy. All seats feature individual screens offering approximately 300 hours of entertainment, including movies and series spanning comedy, romance, drama, and action.
An Elevated Flight Experience
IndiGo has designed an onboard experience focused on comfort and delight:
Culinary Flavors of India
All passengers receive complimentary hot meals and beverages, with a carefully curated menu celebrating local flavors. In IndiGoStretch, guests can choose from four meal options: vegetarian and international (both available in meat and meat-free versions). In economy, the default offering is a vegetarian Indian dish, with the option to pre-order non-vegetarian meals at no additional cost.
Beverages with Local Identity
IndiGoStretch passengers enjoy complimentary alcoholic beverages, including iconic Indian brands like Sula, Amrut, and Stranger & Sons. These are also available for purchase in economy.
Thoughtful Touches
IndiGo has raised the service standard with unique details:
- Personalized welcome in IndiGoStretch, featuring drinks inspired by homegrown flavors.
- Sustainable dental kits with wheat-based brushes and vegan toothpaste.
- Relaxing sleep spray infused with lavender and vetiver.
- Exclusive regional-designed pajamas, pillows, and blankets.
- Artisanal 4700BC blue corn chips, developed exclusively for the airline.
- A parting gift of tricolor mithai (Indian sweets), a sweet nod to local culture.
International Recognition
This global move follows IndiGo’s recent recognition as “Best Airline in India & South Asia” at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, cementing its reputation not only for size and coverage but also for service quality.
With the launch of this direct Mumbai-Manchester route, IndiGo reaffirms its global ambitions and commitment to customer service innovation.
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Un apasionado por la aviación, Fundador y CEO de Aviación al Día.