Budget Airline Expands Its Long-Haul Flight Options

Budget Airline Expands Its Long-Haul Flight Options

IndiGo, the world's third largest budget carrier, has launched a thrice weekly nonstop link between Mumbai, India's financial capital, and Manchester, England. This exciting new service is operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, offering passengers a comfortable and affordable journey.

The Manchester-Mumbai route runs three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with the journey taking approximately 10 hours. IndiGo's entry into Europe is a full throttle expansion, as it aims to redefine what mid and long haul budget travel can look like.

IndiGo's pricing structure is a game-changer in the long-haul market. Economy class fares start from £426, significantly undercutting legacy carriers on the same route, while premium Stretch fares begin at £870. This offers a full-service experience at a fraction of the cost of traditional airlines.

Baggage allowances are generous, with economy passengers able to check up to 30kg of luggage and carry 7kg in their cabin. Stretch passengers can check up to 46kg and carry up to 12kg in their cabin, along with priority and lounge access at select airports.

In-flight amenities are plentiful, with complimentary hot meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages available in economy class. Stretch passengers can enjoy complimentary meals, snacks, and beverages, including alcohol, as well as blankets and pillows. Alcoholic beverages, blankets, pillows, and amenity kits are also available for purchase on IndiGo's Dreamliners.

IndiGo's Dreamliners offer in-flight entertainment, and the cabin is configured for comfort, with dedicated crew and improved service for a more comfortable long-haul experience. The Stretch cabin offers forward cabin roomier seating with extra legroom and power outlets.

In comparison to legacy carriers, IndiGo's service offers a more affordable premium experience. Economy fares are notably cheaper, while offering similar or better baggage allowances and a full meal service. The Stretch cabin is positioned between premium economy and business class of traditional airlines, offering a luxurious experience at a fraction of the cost.

IndiGo's global growth plan includes adding one new aircraft a week until the end of the decade, with over 900 aircraft on order, making it the world's largest aircraft backlog. Hand luggage allowance for economy passengers is 7kg, while Stretch passengers can carry up to 12kg.

IndiGo's entry into Europe is just the beginning, with routes to Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and London set to launch later this year, and more European destinations to follow in 2026. This expansion comes as national carrier Air India is reeling from reputational damage and reduced services following the tragic AI171 crash in Ahmedabad.

CEO Pieter Elbers, formerly of KLM, clarified that IndiGo is not a bargain-basement airline, but a straightforward, comprehensive option without the complexities that plague many legacy carriers. As of July 2025, IndiGo operates a fleet of 414 aircraft with an average age of just 4.6 years, including 28 Airbus A320-200, 284 Airbus A320neo, 144 Airbus A321neo, 48 ATR 72-600, and 1 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (wet-leased from Norse Atlantic for long-haul operations). IndiGo has a staggering 916 aircraft on order, including 60 Airbus A350s, set to begin delivery from 2027.

In conclusion, IndiGo's Manchester-Mumbai service offers a compelling alternative to legacy carriers for both economy and premium passengers. With affordable pricing, generous baggage allowances, and a dedicated full-service experience, IndiGo is set to redefine budget travel in the long-haul market.

1. The IndiGo airline has ventured into the European industry, taking a significant step with a thrice-weekly service between Mumbai and Manchester, operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
2. IndiGo's move into Europe is a part of its ambitious expansion plan, aiming to revolutionize the mid and long haul budget travel sector.
3. The airline's pricing structure in the long-haul market has created a stir, with economy class fares starting from £426, undercutting legacy carriers, and premium Stretch fares starting at £870, offering a full-service experience at a fraction of the cost.
4. Passengers can enjoy generous baggage allowances, with economy passengers permitted up to 30kg checked baggage and 7kg cabin baggage, while Stretch passengers can check up to 46kg and carry up to 12kg in their cabin.
5. In-flight services are plentiful, featuring complimentary hot meals, snacks, and beverages in economy class, and premium amenities like alcohol, blankets, pillows, and amenity kits for purchase.
6. IndiGo's Dreamliners offer in-flight entertainment, comfortable seating, dedicated crew, and improved service, with the Stretch cabin offering extra legroom, power outlets, and a more luxurious experience without the premium price tag of traditional airlines.

Read also: