Budget Airline Introduces Long-Distance Flights to Its Repertoire
IndiGo Disrupts Mid and Long Haul Market with Direct UK Operations
IndiGo, India's largest airline and the world's third largest budget carrier, has launched direct UK operations with the ambitious goal of disrupting the mid and long haul market traditionally dominated by legacy carriers. The new nonstop link between Mumbai, India's financial capital, and Manchester, the north of England's key aviation hub, marks IndiGo's entry into territory most low-cost airlines have barely touched.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner operated by IndiGo arrived at Manchester Airport on July 3, 2025, marking the beginning of the airline's long-haul operations. Airline Ratings CEO Sharon Petersen has applauded IndiGo's revenue management and network planning teams for identifying the underserved Manchester-Mumbai route and filling it.
IndiGo's CEO, Pieter Elbers, formerly of KLM, has clarified that the airline is not a bargain-basement airline but a straightforward, comprehensive option without the complexities that plague many legacy carriers. In Stretch class (IndiGo's upgraded cabin), passengers can expect forward cabin roomier seating with extra legroom and power outlets, 46kg checked baggage allowance and 12kg hand luggage, lounge access at select airports, complimentary meals, snacks, and beverages, including alcohol, blankets, and pillows. In economy class, passengers can expect 30kg of checked baggage, 7kg of hand luggage, complimentary hot meal, snack, and non-alcoholic beverages, in-flight entertainment, and the option to purchase alcoholic beverages, blankets, and pillows.
IndiGo's business strategy for long-haul low-cost travel centers on a "fit-for-purpose" hybrid model that balances cost leadership with tailored service offerings targeted at specific market segments. The airline uses a mix of new long-range aircraft and partnerships to expand globally while maintaining competitive fares aligned to its low-cost base.
The Manchester-Mumbai route is the first direct link between the two cities in over a decade, and the only nonstop flight to India from any UK airport outside London. Skyscanner's travel trends data has consistently highlighted strong demand for direct connections between major cities in the UK, Australia, and India, which IndiGo is addressing with its new service. Return fares between Manchester and Mumbai on IndiGo start at £426 in economy and £870 in Stretch, significantly undercutting legacy carriers on the same route.
IndiGo is executing a global growth plan with military precision, adding one new aircraft a week until the end of the decade. The airline is rolling out routes to Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and London later this year, with more European destinations to follow in 2026. IndiGo's entry into Europe is a full throttle expansion compared to the lean international operations of other budget airlines like Norse Atlantic and Wizz Air.
As national carrier Air India is reeling from reputational damage and reduced services following the tragic AI171 crash in Ahmedabad, IndiGo aims to make long-haul travel affordable and enjoyable without the frills and without the chaos. Beyond just connecting cities, IndiGo's vast domestic network of more than 90 destinations means passengers landing in Mumbai can easily continue to cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Kochi.
IndiGo is joining a new wave of ambitious carriers aiming to redefine what mid and long haul budget travel can look like. AirAsia is exploring routes between the Gulf and Europe, and Vietjet Air is building its fleet to position itself as a major player in low-cost long-haul travel. With a staggering 916 aircraft on order, including 60 Airbus A350s, set to begin delivery from 2027, IndiGo is poised to lead this charge and reshape the budget travel landscape.
Technology plays a significant role in IndiGo's vision for disrupting the mid and long haul market, as they utilize advanced aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and adopt a "fit-for-purpose" hybrid business model to maintain competitive fares while offering tailored services.
The affordable and enjoyable long-haul travel experience offered by IndiGo extends beyond mere connections between cities; it also includes their expansive domestic network, encouraging further education and self-development opportunities for passengers who can easily travel to various destinations in India.
