Direct Flights to Manchester and Amsterdam Launching in July; Check for Details Inside News24 –
India’s leading airline, Indigo, has now announced a crucial turning point in its global expansion strategy with the launch of direct flights from Mumbai to Manchester, United Kingdom, and Amsterdam, Netherlands. These new direct routes mark Indigo’s debut into the Western-European market, and are ready to commence from July 2025
This much-awaited service will be operated thrice weekly using Indigo’s newly acquired Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, damp-leased from Norse Atlantic Airways.
This move aims to cater to the rising demand for direct connectivity between India and key European cities, fostering stronger cultural ties.
The Mumbai-Manchester route will start from July 1, making IndiGo the only airline to offer direct non-stop flights between India and the Northern UK. This connection is particularly significant given the strong Indian emigration in the region and is expected to boost tourism, trade, and investment opportunities. Manchester Airport’s Managing Director, Chris Woodroofe, expressed his delight, highlighting the route’s potential to connect half a million people with Indian heritage to their families and friends.
The Mumbai-Amsterdam service will take flight on July 2. This route will provide more accessibility and convenience for travellers going to Europe for leisure, business, or education, while also showcasing IndiGo’s unparalleled domestic network to international visitors.
“IndiGo’s long-haul foray marks a pivotal moment in our global expansion journey,” stated Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer of IndiGo. “We are immensely proud and excited to open the sale of our first long-haul services connecting Mumbai with Manchester and Amsterdam. These routes are not just about connecting destinations; they are about bridging economies, cultures, and communities, and propelling India’s ambition of transforming into a global aviation hub.”
In a notable upgrade to its in-flight experience for these long-haul routes, IndiGo announced that complimentary hot meals and beverages, curated from iconic homegrown Indian brands, will be served to all passengers. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will feature 56 “IndiGoStretch” business class seats in a 2x3x2 configuration, alongside 282 economy seats in a 3x3x3 layout. Passengers will also benefit from an increased baggage allowance starting from 30 kg for checked-in luggage and a 12 kg cabin bag.
The introduction of these wide-body operations is a crucial step in IndiGo’s “internationalisation strategy,” as the airline looks to expand beyond its historically strong short-haul international network.