IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has decided to temporarily stop its flights to Manchester from August 31, 2026.
The airline said the decision has been taken due to rising operational costs and increasing challenges in international flying.
These flights were operating between Manchester and Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai. They were started only last year as part of IndiGo’s plan to expand its long-haul international network.
Why Airspace Restrictions Are Creating Problems
One of the biggest reasons behind this decision is restricted airspace in West Asia. Due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, countries like Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Kuwait have closed or restricted their airspace.
Because of these restrictions, flights between India and Europe cannot take the shortest route. Airlines are forced to take longer detours, which increases flight time, fuel use, and overall operating costs.
Rising Costs and Financial Pressure
IndiGo also mentioned that the cost of aviation turbine fuel and foreign exchange fluctuations are adding extra pressure on operations. Longer flight routes mean higher fuel consumption and increased expenses.
As part of its long-haul strategy changes, the airline will also return its leased Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which was taken from Norse Atlantic Airways.
The company is already facing financial stress, reporting a loss of ₹2,536.9 crore in the January–March quarter of FY 2025–26, compared to a profit of ₹3,067.5 crore in the same period last year.