UK, India, and Netherlands Now Seamlessly Linked as IndiGo Launches Direct Mumbai Flights to Manchester and Amsterdam

Published on July 10, 2025

IndiGo has launched non-stop flights from Mumbai to Manchester and Amsterdam, creating seamless connectivity between the UK, India, and The Netherlands. The strategic addition is the first foray by the Indian airline in the European sky and fulfills the growing Demand for non-stop, cost-effective, and efficient connectivity from India’s financial capital to key business and tourism hubs in Europe. IndiGo’s newest routes not only increase global trip opportunities for Indians but also strengthen the three countries’ trade, tourism, and diaspora connections.

In a major milestone for Indian aviation, IndiGo has officially marked its foray into the European market with the successful launch of two new international routes from Mumbai. A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, flying under a charter arrangement with Norse Atlantic Airways, successfully landed at Manchester Airport at exactly 9:28 a.m. local time on July 1, marking a significant milestone in IndiGo’s European debut. local time, completing IndiGo’s first direct passenger flight to Europe. The next day, on July 2, a second new route commenced service, connecting Mumbai with Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Both routes currently operate three times a week, forming the foundation of a bold new chapter in the airline’s international journey.

With Europe’s airspace now open to the Indian budget carrier, IndiGo is actively preparing to introduce three more direct routes to key cities—Athens, Copenhagen, and London—before the close of 2025. These launches will cement IndiGo’s transformation from a domestic powerhouse into a serious global player, offering passengers seamless, cost-effective options for transcontinental travel.

The Significance of IndiGo’s European Expansion

IndiGo’s entrance into the European market is more than just a new network addition—it is a strategic pivot that aligns with the airline’s ambitions to evolve into a globally competitive carrier. Historically focused on regional operations across South Asia and the Middle East, IndiGo is now capitalizing on the high-volume travel demand between India and Europe.

Europe remains one of the most attractive international markets for Indian airlines due to its dense population, economic ties with India, tourism appeal, and growing Indian diaspora. By entering this competitive arena, IndiGo is directly challenging legacy full-service carriers and rival low-cost operators on key routes.

The choice of destinations for its European debut—Manchester and Amsterdam—further reflects the airline’s calculated strategy. These cities not only serve as important commercial and cultural hubs but also offer significant opportunities for business and leisure travel, as well as cargo movement.

Mumbai to Manchester: A Direct Link Between Dynamic Cities

The inaugural flight from Mumbai to Manchester was symbolic in many ways. The UK remains one of the largest aviation markets for Indian travelers, and Manchester has emerged as a vital northern hub beyond the traditional gateway of London. The direct connection enhances accessibility for thousands of Indian-origin residents and business travelers based in northern England.

The route, operating thrice weekly, is being flown on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner—a wide-body aircraft known for its long-haul capability, fuel efficiency, and superior passenger comfort. This service is the result of a leasing partnership with Norse Atlantic Airways, which provides the aircraft and crew under a wet-lease agreement, allowing IndiGo to operate wide-body flights without owning or staffing the aircraft itself.

This model enables IndiGo to quickly scale its long-haul ambitions without the need for immediate investment in wide-body fleet acquisition or training.

Mumbai to Amsterdam: A Gateway to Continental Europe

Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most connected and strategically positioned airports, offering access not only to the Netherlands but also to the broader European continent. With its three weekly frequencies from Mumbai, IndiGo taps into a robust network of inter-European connectivity via Schiphol Airport.

Amsterdam has long been a preferred destination for Indian travelers, owing to its tourism appeal and business connections, particularly in the tech and trade sectors. For the airline, this route is an opportunity to attract a diverse mix of business, leisure, and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) traffic.

In terms of logistics, Amsterdam also serves as a significant cargo hub. The new route opens up added potential for freight services between India and the European Union, supporting e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and perishables—sectors where Indian exports are rising.

Future Routes to Athens, Copenhagen, and London

Following the successful launches to Manchester and Amsterdam, IndiGo is preparing for the next phase of its European strategy. Before the year concludes, the airline has announced plans to add direct services from Mumbai to Athens, Copenhagen, and London—three major capitals that present a combination of cultural, diplomatic, and economic significance.

Athens:
The Greek capital has seen a surge in Indian tourist interest in recent years, especially among honeymooners and history enthusiasts. A direct connection to Athens would reduce travel time significantly and help promote Greece as a prime European getaway for Indian travelers.

Copenhagen:
Copenhagen’s addition reflects IndiGo’s ambition to tap into the Scandinavian market, known for its high-spending leisure travelers and robust India-bound outbound market. Denmark also offers a growing technology and pharmaceutical business corridor that aligns well with Indian business interests.

London:
London remains the crown jewel of international routes for any Indian airline. It is one of the busiest long-haul corridors out of India and represents a high-yield market with significant traffic volumes for business, leisure, and diaspora travelers. IndiGo’s planned launch of a London route—likely through Heathrow or Gatwick—will place it in direct competition with established carriers, but also opens up lucrative opportunities in one of the world’s most important aviation markets.

Strategic Use of Wet-Lease Agreements and Fleet Optimization

IndiGo’s foray into long-haul international services has been made possible through strategic wet-leasing agreements. Under this model, Norse Atlantic Airways provides aircraft, maintenance, and crew, while IndiGo handles sales, branding, and ground operations. This minimizes capital risk and enables operational agility.

While the airline currently operates a fleet dominated by Airbus A320-family aircraft for short- and medium-haul routes, its use of wide-body Dreamliners for Europe signals a broader intent to test and establish long-haul markets. If successful, this model could pave the way for eventual wide-body fleet acquisition by IndiGo, enabling independent operations to more distant destinations.

This cautious but calculated approach is a smart move, allowing the airline to evaluate demand and revenue potential before committing to major infrastructure and staffing costs.

Competitive Landscape: Disrupting the Status Quo

With its low-cost model and growing international footprint, IndiGo is poised to disrupt the status quo in Europe-India aviation. The airline’s entry comes at a time when demand for international travel from India is surging and existing full-service operators are facing fleet constraints or high ticket prices.

By offering affordable direct options from India to major European cities, IndiGo is likely to pressure competitors—both Indian and international—to re-evaluate their pricing and frequency strategies. Moreover, the convenience of nonstop flights from Mumbai to high-demand destinations will appeal to cost-conscious passengers tired of layovers and extended travel times.

In the near future, IndiGo could become a significant player not just on point-to-point routes, but also as a connector across regions, especially if it develops code-sharing agreements or partnerships with European carriers.

Enhancing India’s Global Aviation Footprint

IndiGo’s move into Europe signals a wider push by India’s aviation sector to elevate its position on the global stage and compete more assertively in international air travel markets. With India set to become one of the top three aviation markets in the world, its carriers are increasingly seeking to assert influence on key international routes.

Government policies, including air service agreements and foreign flying rights, have been instrumental in facilitating these expansions. The Civil Aviation Ministry’s push to support Indian carriers in global route acquisition is beginning to bear fruit, as seen with this bold European debut.

At the same time, improved infrastructure at Indian airports, including Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, has enhanced the country’s readiness to support higher volumes of international air traffic.

Passenger Experience and In-Flight Offerings

Although the aircraft used on these new routes are operated by Norse Atlantic, the experience onboard has been tailored to reflect IndiGo’s commitment to customer satisfaction. From onboard meals to entertainment and seating, passengers benefit from a seamless blend of comfort and convenience during the near ten-hour journey.

Initial reviews from the first flights have praised the smooth onboarding, comfortable legroom, and timely arrivals—a crucial factor as the airline tries to build a reputation in new markets.

A Pivotal Moment for Indian Aviation

IndiGo’s launch of direct flights from Mumbai to Manchester and Amsterdam marks a historic moment in India’s aviation narrative. As the airline prepares to connect even more European destinations like Athens, Copenhagen, and London, its low-cost, long-haul strategy could redefine how Indian travelers explore the world.

The newly launched IndiGo direct flights from Mumbai to Manchester and from Mumbai to Amsterdam have established smooth connections between the UK, India, and The Netherlands to cater to rising demand for faster, more affordable journeys between these key global hubs. The new routes form part of the strategic plan to advance connectivity, tourism, and business ties between the three nations.

With smart partnerships, calculated route planning, and a sharp eye on market dynamics, IndiGo is setting the stage for a new era of affordable international travel that bridges India and Europe more closely than ever before.