New Manchester Airport connection to Mumbai gains backing from government, business and cultural leaders

A chorus of government, business and cultural leaders have welcomed the announcement of IndiGo’s new direct connection from Manchester Airport to Mumbai, which launches from 1st July.

The three-times-a-week service is the airline’s first direct route to Europe, and comes on the back of the announcement of a new trade deal between India and the UK.

The new route is predicted to boost the region’s share of visitors from India and provide benefits to businesses, universities and cultural institutions across the North West. Data from Visit Britain shows that 19% of all visitors to the UK from India come for business travel – and that they spend an average of £2,273 per visit. But only 8% of visitors to the UK from India come to the North West, compared to 43% going to London and 13% to the South East.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, who is also a Greater Manchester MP, said: 

“This new route will mean families and businesses in the North of England are more connected to India, which is great to see as we prepare to sign a landmark trade deal that will deliver billions for the UK economy and wages every year.“

Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe said:

“Here at Manchester Airport we’re proud to connect the North to the World. Our route network of more than 200 destinations with 50 airlines is the best outside London and provides our passengers with unrivalled choice, flexibility and value.

“But our global connections have a deeper benefit to the region and the country as a whole and this new route to Mumbai with IndiGo is a great example of that.

“It will allow businesses to do deals and form partnerships with companies and customers in the world’s fastest growing economy. This will benefit companies right here in the region and helps level the playing field with the south.

“It will also attract more businesses to the area and bring more jobs. Ultimately, all these things add up to prosperity; more money in people’s pockets here in the North of England.

“I’m proud we are able to play our part in that and I’m looking forward to the route launching in just a matter of weeks.”

The launch of new direct flights from Manchester Airport to Mumbai follow years of coordinated engagement between the city-region and India, through Manchester India Partnership (MIP), a public-private group of organisations set up in 2017. Earlier this year saw the opening of a new Indian Consulate in Manchester, while a recent UK-India trade agreement is expected to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion by 2040.

Simon Arora, Chair of the Manchester India Partnership, said: 

“We know the vital role direct connectivity has in furthering cultural, economic and educational ties between destinations and that is why this direct route to Mumbai is so important.

“It will build on the existing strong connections we have developed between Greater Manchester and India over many years, and comes at an exciting time, with a new UK-India trade deal having been secured and a summer of celebrations ahead of us – not least the momentous England vs India cricket series.”

Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority portfolio lead for economy, business and inclusive growth, said:

“The creation of this regular route between Mumbai and Manchester is a big moment. It will open up a wealth of opportunities for the city and wider region’s businesses and residents.

“This new route can only enhance our strong and growing links with India to help attract investment, jobs and spending from business and tourism visitors as well as promoting cultural exchanges.”

Vishakha Yaduvanshi, Manchester’s Consul General of India, said:  

“The launch of IndiGo’s direct service between Manchester and Mumbai marks a significant milestone in deepening the strong and enduring ties between Manchester and India.

“This direct air link not only makes travel more convenient for business, tourism, and the vibrant Indian diaspora in the North of England, but also strengthens the economic, educational, and cultural bridges that already connects us.

“It is a timely step forward in enhancing connectivity, fostering closer people-to-people exchanges, and unlocking new opportunities for collaboration across sectors.”