The new routes will be operated using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, damp-leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. The Dreamliners feature a double-aisle layout with 56 IndiGoStretch seats (2x3x2 configuration) and 282 economy seats (3x3x3 configuration). Passengers will enjoy enhanced travel experiences, including priority check-in, anytime boarding, advance seat selection, and 30kg baggage allowance, along with a 12kg cabin bag.

IndiGo becomes the only airline to offer nonstop service between Mumbai and Manchester. Flights are now open for booking on all major platforms.

CEO Pieter Elbers said, “Our entry into long-haul operations is a landmark moment in IndiGo’s global growth story. We are excited to connect Mumbai with Manchester—an important and symbolic route.”

The airline has damp-leased six Boeing 787-9 aircraft to support this expansion, with one already operating on the Delhi-Bangkok route. More Dreamliners will be added as IndiGo awaits the delivery of its A321XLR aircraft later this year and the A350-900 from 2027.

Connecting Communities

According to Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director at Manchester Airport, this route will link over 500,000 people of Indian heritage in the region to their roots, enhancing cultural and economic ties. “With the recent opening of the Indian consulate in Manchester, this launch couldn’t be better timed,” he added.

Onboard Experience

IndiGo also confirmed that complimentary hot meals and beverages will be provided to all passengers. Economy travelers will receive vegetarian meals by default, with an option to pre-book non-vegetarian dishes. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase in economy class, while all services are complimentary in the IndiGoStretch category.

The airline’s entry into the European market marks the beginning of a new chapter in its international journey, aimed at expanding its global footprint and offering direct, seamless travel options for Indian flyers.

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A new study conducted by researchers at the Houston Methodist Hospital has revealed that a highly contagious strain of coronavirus is now dominating. Scientists made this conclusion after analyzing 5,000 genomes from viruses recovered from Houston in the time of the initial outbreak, and later comparing it with an ongoing recent wave of infection.

The research report revealed that almost all strains in the second wave had a mutation named D614G, and which is characterized by increasing the number of spikes in the crown-shaped virus. It should be noted that spikes play a crucial role in increasing the ability of the virus to infect cells.

Researchers noted that patients who are infected with the new strain had higher amounts of virus in their body. However, researchers did not find any evidence that links the D614G with increased mortality. According to researchers, coronavirus usually turns deadly among people who have underlying medical conditions.

A few weeks back, another study conducted by researchers at Zhejiang University had claimed that coronavirus has mutated to more than 30 different strains.

The discovery literally shocked healthcare experts, as they had underestimated the mutation capabilities of this deadly pathogen. Experts revealed that finding an overall cure for coronavirus could be difficult, as different strains of the virus has affected people in different parts of the world.

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The top-ranked Serb is fourth player to test positive for the virus.Bulgarian tennis star Grigor Dimitrov and Croatia’s Borna Coric,Viktor Troicki were tested positive on June 22. The Adria Tour hosted by Novak is now becoming a hotspot of coronavirus. His stubborn stance to hold an exhibition amid pandemic is drawing criticism from all quarters.

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