IndiGo launches Manchester to New Delhi flights using Norse Atlantic aircraft

Indian low cost airline IndiGo is making a foray into long haul flying, with Manchester and Amsterdam as its first European routes.

IndiGo is the largest airline in India and already codeshares with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic to provide domestic connections.

IndiGo has long harboured ambitions to fly longer routes, with reports dating back as far as 2017 when it made a play to buy state-owned Air India. This did not work out with Air India being bought by Indian conglomerate TATA instead.

At the time, IndiGo stated it would “enter the international long-haul market” regardless, a promise it is now fulfilling.

Of course, you can’t fly these routes without the appropriate aircraft. In April 2024 the airline announced a firm order for 30 Airbus A350s, with options for a further 70. It is also taking a number of A321XLRs, which should have the legs to fly to at least Central Europe if not further.

These will not arrive until 2027 at the earliest, so in the meantime it is getting creative. It has come to an agreement with Norse Atlantic, the European low cost long haul operator, to ‘damp’ lease at least four of their Boeing 787-9s. A ‘damp’ lease involves Norse providing the plane and some of its crew, whilst IndiGo will provide other staff.

“Collectively, these aircraft will enable IndiGo to make an early entry into the long-haul market and establish itself in Europe while the airline awaits the delivery of its Airbus A321 XLR and A350-900 aircraft from 2027 onwards.”

Flights to New Delhi from Manchester and Amsterdam are “expected to commence in July 2025, subject to completion of all operational preparedness and regulatory approvals.” Tickets do not appear to be on sale yet.

Manchester flights will face no direct competition. IndiGo will become the only airline to fly non-stop from the North of England to India. At least initially, both routes will be operated thrice weekly until IndiGo receives further aircraft from Norse later this year.

What can you expect on IndiGo’s first European routes?

As these flights are being operated by Norse Atlantic under a ‘damp’ lease, you can expect to find the same seating as on a Norse Atlantic flight. That means 56 premium economy seats up front in a 2-3-2 layout with exceptionally generous legroom of 43″. There is no business class.

Here is my review of Premium on Norse Atlantic. In terms of legroom, you won’t find better. This article compares the seat details of Norse Atlantic Premium vs British Airways World Traveller Plus vs Virgin Atlantic Premium.

Behind this are 282 economy seats in a 3-3-3 layout.

As to what the service on board will be like, we’ll have to wait and see; IndiGo has not announced what you can expect in terms of food and drink.

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