Indian budget carrier IndiGo announced on June 2, 2026, that it will temporarily suspend flight services to and from Manchester starting August 31, 2026.
The decision is driven by ongoing international airspace constraints, increased flight durations, and a challenging operating cost environment.
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IndiGo will also return one of its six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, currently operated under a damp lease with Norse Atlantic Airways, at the end of August.
The airline initially inducted the six wide-body jets from Norse Atlantic in early 2025 to accelerate its European expansion ahead of receiving its own Airbus A350 aircraft later this decade.
Prolonged closure of Pakistani airspace and conflicts in West Asia have forced flights away from Iranian airspace, adding significant flying time and increasing fuel and crew costs.
The remaining five leased aircraft will continue serving routes to London Heathrow and Amsterdam, though longer routings require more aircraft resources.
Abhijit Dasgupta, Senior Vice President of Network Planning & Revenue Management at IndiGo, said the airline witnessed encouraging demand for the Manchester route but was compelled to discontinue services due to longer flying times and escalating costs.
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Affected passengers will receive advance notices and options for alternative travel or refunds.
Dasgupta emphasized that the discontinuation is temporary and that IndiGo looks forward to resuming the route when viable.
The airline is exploring innovative solutions to continue collaboration with Norse Atlantic Airways.
Norse Atlantic Airways confirmed the early return of the single jet and plans to redeploy it on profitable winter routes between Europe and Thailand.
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Eivind Roald, Chief of Norse Atlantic, said the partnership with IndiGo remains strong, and both airlines have initiated a strategic collaboration project to assess deeper cooperation.
