Indian airline IndiGo has chosen Manchester as one its first ever long haul services, along with Amsterdam.
Amsterdam and Manchester flights are expected to start this summer.
India’s dominant airline still hasn’t any long haul aircraft of its own.
The flights are possible thanks to a lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways for Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
It will fly to both destinations three times a week from Delhi commencing in July 2025.
“This will enable IndiGo to make an early entry into the long-haul market and establish itself in Europe,” IndiGo said.
The launch is pending ‘completion of all operational preparedness and regulatory approvals.’
“With the arrival of additional aircraft from Norse later this year the frequencies could further grow, and in parallel, IndiGo is evaluating multiple other important markets across Europe”.
Pieter Elbers, IndiGo CEO said, “We unlock a new and very exciting chapter in IndiGo’s growth journey, connecting India to the heart of Europe. We’re thrilled to announce our first-ever long-haul destinations.”
“India has strong ties both with the United Kingdom and the Netherlands for business and tourism; and there is a large Indian diaspora who live in these countries.
The airline, which dominates the India market with more than 60% share, has hundreds of new jets on order including long range aircraft.
