Manchester Airport has revealed that IndiGo is expanding its Mumbai route due to strong demand. The airline, which launched the only direct connection from the North to India's financial capital in July this year, initially operated three times a week.
However, as of today, 22nd September, the frequency will increase to four times a week due to its popularity. Thousands have already utilised the service, providing a significant economic boost for Greater Manchester and the wider area.
An independent study by Metro-Dynamics predicted that the route could deliver an economic uplift worth hundreds of millions to the North over the next three years through exports, employment, regional visitors and more. This is set to be further enhanced by the expansion, a move welcomed by Manchester's Consul General of India and the Manchester India Partnership, reports .
Chris Woodroofe, managing director at Manchester Airport, said: "Here at Manchester Airport we are proud to connect the North to the World and few routes epitomise what that really means more than IndiGo's connection to Mumbai.
"It's connecting travellers to a vibrant and exciting destination, businesses to one of the world's biggest financial hubs and the North's Indian diaspora to friends and family.
"That's why it's no surprise that IndiGo is increasing the frequency of the route already. We always knew a connection between the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's global gateway in the North and India's financial capital would be popular – and that has proven to be the case.
"This is obviously great news for people and businesses in the region – because we know that this route is driving economic benefits worth many millions of pounds each year - but it's also a real statement of intent from IndiGo and I'm looking forward to our continued partnership."
IndiGo represents India's largest carrier and launched the Mumbai to Manchester service – marking its inaugural European and maiden long-haul operation – on 1 July utilising a Boeing 787-Dreamliner.
The route received backing from business, political and community figures and coincided with the opening of Manchester's Indian Consulate.
During the previous year, the carrier transported over 118m passengers throughout its network spanning more than 90 Indian destinations and 40 international locations.
The airline operates a fleet of more than 400 aircraft.
Passengers travelling between Manchester and Mumbai can expect complimentary hot meals during flight and may select from standard economy or the carrier's newly introduced IndiGoStretch option, designed specifically for corporate travellers.
Pieter Elbers, chief executive officer at IndiGo, added: "International expansion is a key pillar of IndiGo's next phase of growth, and like any global airline, the º£½ÇÊÓƵ represents a strategically important market for us.
"The Mumbai-Manchester route, in particular, holds a special place in our journey, as it marked our foray into long-haul international operations.
"Since its launch in July 2025, the route has consistently seen a positive customer response and high uptake, reaffirming our proposition on the route. Encouraged by this strong response, we are pleased to announce an increase in frequency on this route and look forward to adding more capacity in due course."
Analysis from Metro-Dynamics was published when the Mumbai service commenced, predicting the economic benefits it would deliver. With the enhanced frequency, those predicted benefits have risen:
The route is expected to underpin a £32.9m boost in regional exports to India.
- An additional £11.8m annually will be generated by extra Indian visitors to the North.
- Some 250 jobs - including direct, supply chain and broader supporting functions - will be created.
- It will generate £12.1m of economic benefit to the North each year.
- It will foster international innovation, driving growth in º£½ÇÊÓƵ-India patents and academic citations.
- The Metro-Dynamics study says the route will help passengers who currently journey from Manchester Airport to Mumbai, but previously required indirect connections. That could generate savings in cost, time and productivity valued at £9m annually.
Mumbai, previously known as Bombay, is India's financial powerhouse and one of the world's most densely populated cities. Situated on the western coast by the Arabian Sea, Mumbai is home to the Hindi film industry and serves as a bustling centre for commerce, fashion, and entertainment.
