IndiGo’s Major Flight Changes : What You Need to Know Before Your Next European Trip

IndiGo (6E), India’s largest low-cost carrier, is making significant adjustments to its European flight network, suspending its Copenhagen (CPH) route and reducing services to key destinations in the United Kingdom. Starting February 2026, the airline will also trim its weekly flights between Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and both London Heathrow (LHR) and Manchester (MAN) as part of its strategy to address ongoing operational challenges.

This decision is primarily driven by external factors including geopolitical airspace restrictions and congestion at airports, particularly those in India and Europe. For travelers planning to visit or depart from major cities in Europe, these changes could lead to a shift in flight availability, requiring adjustments to travel plans.

Impact on Delhi and Mumbai Travellers

IndiGo’s decision to suspend its Copenhagen flights from Delhi and Mumbai starting February 17, 2026, will directly affect both leisure and business travelers to Denmark. Copenhagen, with its vibrant cultural scene, historical sites, and well-connected business hubs, has long been a favorite among tourists heading to Scandinavia. The suspension of this route will mean fewer direct options for Indian tourists heading to the capital of Denmark, while some may have to rely on connecting flights via other European hubs.

For those planning a trip to the United Kingdom, these operational changes will also affect travel to Manchester and London Heathrow. The airline will reduce its flights between Delhi and Manchester from five to four weekly services starting February 7, 2026, and then further cut frequencies to just three flights per week starting February 19. Similarly, its London Heathrow services will see a reduction in weekly flights, limiting options for both inbound and outbound passengers between India and the UK.

New Flight Schedules and Frequencies

For travellers intending to fly to Manchester, IndiGo will continue to operate reduced services with three weekly flights from Delhi. The revised schedule for the Delhi-Manchester route from February 19 is as follows:

• Delhi to Manchester: Flight 6E 0033 departs Monday, Thursday, and Sunday at 03:05, arriving in Manchester at 09:15.
• Manchester to Delhi: Flight 6E 0034 departs Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 11:15, arriving in Delhi at 03:45 (+1).

For Mumbai-Manchester services, there will still be four weekly operations, with adjustments in the days of operation to maintain efficiency:

• Mumbai to Manchester: Flight 6E 0031 departs Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 03:55, arriving at 09:15.
• Manchester to Mumbai: Flight 6E 0032 departs Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11:40, arriving in Mumbai at 03:10 (+1).

As for London Heathrow, the revised Delhi-Heathrow schedule will reduce the number of operating days. The revised schedule will be as follows:

• Delhi to London Heathrow: Flight 6E 0003 departs Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 09:40, arriving at 14:55.
• London Heathrow to Delhi: Flight 6E 0004 departs Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 17:15, arriving in Delhi at 08:15 (+1).

Tourism and Travel Impact

The changes to IndiGo’s European network will affect both Indian tourists traveling to Europe and international tourists planning to visit India. While the airline is streamlining its European operations to ensure more reliable and on-time services, it will also have an impact on the overall tourism flow between India and these European destinations.

Manchester and London have long been two of the most popular European cities for both leisure and business tourists traveling from India. With reduced services, Indian travellers planning to visit these iconic cities for tourism, business, or family visits will need to adjust their travel plans accordingly. Additionally, this reduction in flight options may result in increased prices or longer travel times for those seeking alternative routes.

For tourists traveling from Europe to India, particularly those using London Heathrow and Manchester as their entry points, fewer direct flight options mean that alternative routes via other airports such as Dubai or Doha may become more common. This could impact travel times and cost for European visitors planning to explore India’s diverse cultural and heritage sites, including Goa, Kerala, and Delhi.

Operational Adjustments and Future Outlook

IndiGo’s decision to revise its network comes as the airline faces increasing challenges stemming from geopolitical airspace restrictions and congestion at Indian and international airports. The airline operates a fleet of six damp-leased Boeing 787-9 aircraft on its long-haul routes, and these operational hurdles have contributed to the decision to modify its flight frequencies across Europe.

By taking these measures, IndiGo aims to ensure its ability to maintain reliability across its long-haul network. The adjustments were initially set to take effect in the Summer 2026 schedule but were accelerated due to ongoing challenges in managing operational risk. As a result, passengers looking for alternatives may find increased competition for available seats on the remaining services.

Looking Ahead: Adjusting to the New Normal

For both outbound and inbound travelers, these changes highlight the dynamic nature of air travel and the necessity to remain flexible when planning international trips. As IndiGo works to stabilize its operations and maintain strong on-time performance, travelers can expect to see more frequent adjustments across its international network.

As the global aviation landscape continues to evolve with ongoing airspace restrictions, airport congestion, and fluctuating demand, passengers are advised to stay updated with the latest schedule changes. Whether planning a holiday to Copenhagen, a business trip to London, or a visit to the UK’s vibrant northern cities like Manchester, staying informed will be crucial to minimizing disruptions and making the most of your European travel experience.

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