Manchester airport announces flights to destination 4,557 miles away

THE AIRPORT WILL BEGIN OPERATING THE ROUTE THIS SUMMER 16:54, 21 May 2025 Manchester Airport will be running direct flights to India this year, making it the only Northern airport with a

direct connection to the country. The new route will be operated by Indian budget airline IndiGo, in the carrier's first long haul route to the country’s financial capital Mumbai. The

airport has laid out plans to begin operating the route this summer, with flights to Mumbai launching on July 1. The new service will run three times per week on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner,

with the route set to strengthen historic links between the North and India, supporting the region’s Indian community and boosting business and trade relationships, according to the airport.

Tickets for the new service went on sale today. The service will run three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturdays on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The service will be IndiGo’s

first European destination and will be shortly followed by a connection to Amsterdam. It adds to Manchester Airport’s route network of more than 200 destinations. Manchester Airport managing

director Chris Woodroofe said: “Here at Manchester Airport we are proud to connect the North to the world – that is why we are delighted to be announcing this new direct service to Mumbai,

and to welcome IndiGo to the UK. “This route makes us the only Northern airport with a direct connection to India and cements our position as one of Europe’s best-connected airports. It will

link the region to the world’s fastest growing economy, opening up even stronger trade and investment opportunities. “It will connect half a million people with Indian heritage who live in

Manchester Airport’s catchment area to family and friends, and it will capitalise on the wide-ranging cultural and economic ties that exist." Pieter Elbers, chief executive officer of

IndiGo, added: “IndiGo’s long-haul foray marks a pivotal moment in our global expansion journey. We are very proud as well as excited to open the sale of our first long-haul service

connecting Mumbai with Manchester, a very special route in many ways. "Celebrating India and its unique cuisine, we’re thrilled to announce that specially crafted complimentary hot

meals and beverages, by iconic home-grown Indian brands, will be served to all our customers on this route. “We look forward to a strong and synergistic partnership with Manchester airport,

to be able to serve our customers well. This significant step underscores our commitment to becoming an airline of truly global scale and stature and contributing towards transforming India

into a global aviation hub." Article continues below For the latest news and breaking news visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/news Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and

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