New Manchester Airport to Mumbai route to deliver major economic boost

Independent research by Metro-Dynamics has revealed a new direct route between Manchester Airport and Mumbai will deliver an economic boost worth hundreds of millions to the North over the next three years.

The new IndiGo service, which began flying on 1st July is the North’s only direct, year-round route to India, and is likely to support a £32.9 million increase in exports from the region. The study also found Indian visitors to the North would likely spend an additional £11.8 million annually following the introduction of the three-times-weekly flights. Additionally, around 250 jobs will be created by the route, including direct, supply chain and wider supporting roles, and create a further £12.1 million of economic value for the region each year.

Findings also suggest direct connectivity will also support international innovation with India – the world’s fastest growing economy – stimulate a rise in UK-India patents and academic citations.

The existence of direct flights will also deliver a major boost for people who already travel from Manchester Airport to Mumbai, but currently have to travel indirectly. Cost, time and productivity savings worth £9 million a year will be unlocked.

There are already around 234,000 people who travel from Manchester Airport’s catchment to Mumbai every year. Roughly 70,000 of them flew through Manchester but indirectly.It is estimated the new route will increase the overall number of people who travel between Manchester and Mumbai by 21,000 per year. This uplift will give rise to many of the economic benefits identified by researchers.

Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe said:

“Our new partnership with IndiGo to launch the North’s only route to Mumbai will connect the region to one of the world’s most exciting cities – but also one of the world’s biggest financial capitals.

“That will help us deliver growth here in the North. It unlocks opportunities for the region’s businesses to trade with partners in Mumbai and India more widely as well as opening up the North as a travel destination for a huge number of new visitors.

“That will bring massive benefits for our tourism industry, the education sector and will help turbo charge the Government’s industrial strategy by boosting innovation and productivity in the sectors that will sit at the heart of the country’s future prosperity.“

Leading experts from the worlds of business, politics and tourism have backed the potential impact of the new service, which launched yesterday.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: 

 “This new route by India’s flagship airline to Manchester – the first to anywhere in Europe – will mean families and businesses in the North of England are more connected to India and is further proof that our landmark trade deal with India is delivering for both countries.

 “It is yet another example of the close relationship we share with our Indian partners and this direct flight will create opportunities for even more British and Indian firms to make use of our trade agreement, ushering in more money and jobs as part of our Plan for Change.”

Vishakha Yaduvanshi, Manchester’s Consul General of India

“The launch of IndiGo’s direct flight between Manchester and Mumbai represents a major step forward in enhancing connectivity between India and the North of England.

“This direct link offers a faster, more convenient travel option for business travelers, tourists, and the vibrant Indian diaspora in the region. By cutting travel times and eliminating the need for connecting flights, it opens the door to stronger economic partnerships, deeper educational ties, and richer cultural exchanges.”

Stockport MP Navendu Mishra said:

“I am delighted that the first direct flight from Manchester to India is taking off this Tuesday, marking a historic milestone as Manchester becomes the first and only Northern airport with a direct connection to India.

“This is the result of years of campaigning, and I’m proud to see this new route finally come to fruition. It will bring significant benefits to Greater Manchester and the wider North of England- strengthening business ties, supporting our Indian diaspora, and creating new educational and cultural opportunities.

“Manchester Airport continues to play a vital role in both our local and national economy. As the third largest airport in the UK and a major employer in my constituency of Stockport, this expansion in connectivity is a very welcome step.”

IndiGo’s new service between Manchester Airport and Mumbai launched on Tuesday, 1st July. IndiGo is India’s biggest airline but this is its first long haul route and its entry into the European market, alongside a route between Mumbai and Amsterdam which began 2nd July.