India’s largest low-cost carrier, IndiGo, has opened bookings for its first long-haul international routes, launching direct flights from Mumbai to Manchester and Amsterdam starting July 1 and 2, 2025, respectively. The move marks a strategic shift as the airline ventures into the competitive long-haul sector dominated by full-service global carriers. Fares for Mumbai–Manchester will start at ₹24,499, while Mumbai–Amsterdam flights begin at ₹26,999.

The routes will be operated thrice a week, using wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. The aircraft will feature a dual-class layout, with 56 extra-legroom IndiGoStretch seats (2x3x2 layout, 43-inch pitch) and 282 economy class seats (3x3x3 layout, 31-inch pitch). Complimentary hot meals and beverages will be offered to all passengers.

The new Dreamliners allow nonstop flights up to 8,700 km, enabling potential future routes to London, Paris, Tokyo and Perth. This capability extends far beyond the 7,200 km limit of its existing A320 family aircraft.

With the Manchester launch, IndiGo will become the only airline to offer a direct connection between India and northern UK. The Manchester region hosts nearly half a million people of Indian origin within a two-hour radius, making it a promising market for both business and leisure travel. The city last saw direct India service during Jet Airways’ brief stint in 2018–2019.

Currently, IndiGo holds an 8.8% share of the India-Europe market, ranking fourth behind Air India (30.2%), Lufthansa (14.3%) and British Airways (12.4%). The number of airlines serving this corridor has dropped to 16, from 18 in 2024.