Image credit – PEXELSIndiGo, India’s preferred carrier, has announced strategic adjustments to its wide-body flight schedule to reinforce operational reliability and minimise customer inconvenience amid evolving global operational challenges.
The decision follows a comprehensive review of IndiGo’s 787-9 Dreamliner operations, which have recently faced external pressures including dynamic airspace restrictions due to geo-political developments, and increased airport congestion in both India and key international hubs. These factors have extended block times and strained aircraft utilisation patterns, prompting IndiGo to rebalance its wide-body schedule operated by its fleet of six aircraft leased from Norse Atlantic Airways.
Effective 17 February 2026, IndiGo will temporarily suspend operations to and from Copenhagen until further notice. Additionally, the Delhi–Manchester service will be reduced from five to four weekly flights from 7 February, and further to three weekly flights from 19 February 2026, aligning with the upcoming summer schedule adjustments. The Delhi–London Heathrow service will also be revised from five to four weekly frequencies beginning 9 February 2026.
Revised operating patterns will ensure optimal recovery time between rotations, reducing the risk of cascading delays and missed connections.
Revised Manchester Network (Effective 19 February 2026)
Delhi–Manchester (6E 0033): Mon, Thu, Sun | 03:05 – 09:15
Manchester–Delhi (6E 0034): Mon, Wed, Thu | 11:15 – 03:45 (+1)
Mumbai–Manchester (6E 0031): Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat | 03:55 – 09:15
Manchester–Mumbai (6E 0032): Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun | 11:40 – 03:10 (+1)
(Timings local; +1 indicates next-day arrival)
The airline is proactively contacting affected passengers to provide alternative travel options, refunds, or compensation in line with regulatory guidelines.
In March 2025, IndiGo initiated its wide-body programme through a damp lease arrangement of six Boeing 787-9 aircraft from Norse Atlantic Airways—an interim step ahead of the airline’s own A350-900 inductions beginning in early 2028. The move is part of IndiGo’s broader international expansion roadmap, aimed at developing internal expertise for long-haul operations.
An IndiGo spokesperson stated:
“Recent operational challenges across international airspace and airports have impacted our long-haul reliability. By recalibrating our wide-body network, we aim to restore schedule stability, safeguard customer experience, and ensure our services remain dependable. These adjustments are designed to enhance long-term network resilience while maintaining flexibility to scale operations as conditions evolve.”
Published On Feb 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM IST
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