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IndiGo Cuts Delhi-London, Delhi-Manchester Flights to Fix Widebody Delays

IndiGo is making selective cuts to its long-haul network to restore schedule reliability, citing external operational constraints. The airline will suspend its Copenhagen service and reduce frequencies on its Delhi-Manchester and Delhi-London Heathrow routes. These challenges stem from geopolitical airspace restrictions and airport congestion, which have increased flight times. IndiGo is contacting affected customers to provide alternatives or refunds.

Key Points: IndiGo Reduces UK Flights to Improve Network Reliability

  • Suspends Copenhagen route
  • Reduces Delhi-Manchester flights
  • Cuts Delhi-London Heathrow frequency
  • Cites airspace and airport congestion
  • Proactively rebooking affected passengers
2 min read

IndiGo cuts Delhi-Manchester, Delhi-London services to improve wide-body network reliability

IndiGo suspends Copenhagen, cuts Delhi-London & Delhi-Manchester frequencies to address widebody operational challenges and improve on-time performance.

"As an immediate measure to improve on-time performance... we have decided to make selective adjustments to our long-haul network. - IndiGo"

New Delhi, February 4

IndiGo announced adjustments to its long-haul network, including suspension and reduction of select international services, citing external operational constraints that have affected the airline's widebody operations.

The airline said in a press release that the changes are aimed at restoring schedule reliability and minimising passenger inconvenience.

According to IndiGo, its widebody operations on Boeing 787-9 aircraft have faced challenges due to continuously changing airspace restrictions stemming from geopolitical developments, as well as congestion at airports in India and overseas.

These factors have led to increased flight and block times, placing pressure on the airline's long-haul schedule, which is operated with six widebody aircraft.

"As an immediate measure to improve on-time performance and avoid cascading delays and misconnections, we have decided to make selective adjustments to our long-haul network," IndiGo said in a statement.

As part of the revisions, IndiGo will suspend operations to and from Copenhagen starting February 17, 2026, until further notice. The airline will also reduce the frequency of its Delhi-Manchester services from five flights a week to four from February 7, 2026, and further to three weekly flights from February 19. This will reduce overall connectivity to and from Manchester from nine weekly services to seven. IndiGo noted that this reduction was originally planned for the Summer Schedule 2026 but has been advanced to ensure operational stability.

Additionally, IndiGo's Delhi-London Heathrow services will be reduced from five flights per week to four, effective February 9, 2026, for the current winter schedule. The airline said it is proactively reaching out to affected customers to offer alternative flight options or refunds and compensation in accordance with applicable regulations.

IndiGo added that its widebody operations began in March 2025 through a damp-lease arrangement with Norse Atlantic Airways as a transitional step ahead of its planned induction of A350-900 aircraft from early 2028.

"IndiGo regrets that the prevailing circumstances have affected the airline's operational reliability on its 787-9 routes. By making these adjustments to its schedule, the airline strives to improve the reliability of its long-haul services and reduce disruption to connecting itineraries booked by its customers," the airline said. IndiGo further added that it will continue to monitor external developments and flexibly scale its international network to align with evolving conditions.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Very disappointing as I have family in Manchester. 😔 The reduced frequency means fewer options and likely higher prices on other airlines. While I understand the operational challenges, IndiGo needs to speed up its own A350 induction. Relying on wet-leased aircraft was always going to be tricky.
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Rohit P
The "geopolitical developments" affecting airspace is the real story here. It's impacting all airlines, not just IndiGo. At least they are being proactive with refunds and alternatives. Hope the situation normalizes soon for the sake of all travelers.
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Sarah B
As a frequent business traveler on the Delhi-London route, reliability is key. A slight reduction in frequency is a fair trade-off if it means the flights that do operate are on time. The cascading delays they mention are a nightmare for connections.
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Vikram M
It's good they are communicating clearly. Many Indian companies just cut services quietly. The airport congestion point is very true—Delhi and Heathrow are both packed. Hopefully, the infrastructure keeps pace with India's growing aviation demand.
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Karthik V
A respectful criticism: IndiGo expanded too fast into long-haul without a robust wide-body fleet plan. The damp-lease arrangement was a stopgap, and now passengers are facing the consequences. They need to manage growth expectations better. That said, fixing reliability is the priority now.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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