Budget Airline Expands Long-Distance Flights in Its Offerings
IndiGo Launches Long-Haul Manchester to Mumbai Route
IndiGo, the world's third largest budget carrier, has made its entry into Europe with a thrice weekly nonstop link between Mumbai and Manchester. This marks IndiGo's first foray into direct UK operations and a significant expansion of its global footprint.
The new route, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner leased from Norse Atlantic Airways, is a strategic move by IndiGo, positioning itself as a value-focused airline offering comfort and affordability. The journey between Manchester and Mumbai takes approximately 10 hours with departures from Mumbai on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
IndiGo's long-haul Dreamliners offer two cabin classes: Economy and Stretch, an upgraded, no-frills business-class equivalent. Economy fares start at around £426 round-trip, while Stretch fares start at about £870, roughly double the Economy price.
Baggage Allowance
The baggage allowance for both cabin classes is as follows:
| Cabin | Checked Baggage | Hand Luggage | |----------|-----------------|---------------| | Economy | 30 kg | 7 kg | | Stretch | 46 kg | 12 kg |
In-flight Amenities
IndiGo's long-haul Dreamliners aim to provide a comfortable travel experience. In Economy, passengers can expect 30kg of checked baggage, 7kg of hand luggage, complimentary hot meal, snack, and non-alcoholic beverages, in-flight entertainment, and additional purchases for alcoholic beverages, blanket, pillow, and amenity kits.
Stretch passengers, on the other hand, enjoy more spacious seating in the forward cabin with extra legroom and power outlets, complimentary meals, snacks, and beverages including alcohol, lounge access at select airports, complimentary blankets and pillows, and thoughtful touches like calming sleep sprays and sustainable dental kits.
A Focus on Value and Comfort
IndiGo's expansion comes at a time when national carrier Air India is reeling from reputational damage and reduced services following the tragic AI171 crash in Ahmedabad. IndiGo, however, is executing a global growth plan with military precision, adding one new aircraft a week until the end of the decade, and has over 900 aircraft on order, the world's largest aircraft backlog.
IndiGo's entry into Europe is a full throttle expansion, rolling out routes to Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and London later this year, with more European destinations to follow in 2026. The airline's focus is not just on being a budget carrier but on offering value and comfort, appealing to business travelers, tourists, students, and the Indian diaspora in the UK.
AirlineRatings CEO Sharon Petersen applauded IndiGo's revenue management and network planning teams for identifying an underserved route and filling it, stating that the Manchester-Mumbai route will be a major success. IndiGo, it seems, is set to redefine long-haul, budget air travel.
References:
- IndiGo to launch Manchester-Mumbai service
- IndiGo launches Mumbai-Manchester service
- IndiGo's new Manchester-Mumbai service to start from Tuesday
- IndiGo's new Mumbai-Manchester flight: All you need to know
Travelers seeking affordable long-haul flights can look forward to IndiGo's new service between Manchester and Mumbai, as this route aligns with the airline's focus on offering comfort and affordability. Meanwhile, lifestyle enthusiasts and budget-travelers planning their next travel adventure may find this new route an ideal opportunity to experience Europe and India, all while staying mindful of their budget.
