- Mr Plane Guy
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
IndiGo Cuts Manchester & Heathrow Flights as Reliability Concerns Grow
By Mr Plane Guy | Travel Blogger & Former Airline Insider
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you click and use them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep Plane News airborne
Indian carrier IndiGo has announced changes to its long-haul network, including pausing Copenhagen flights and reducing services to Manchester and London Heathrow.
The airline says the move is designed to improve on-time performance and reduce passenger disruption, following ongoing challenges affecting its wide-body operations.
In airline speak, that usually translates to one thing: fewer flights now, to avoid bigger problems later.
What’s Changing for Manchester & Heathrow?
IndiGo confirmed it will:
Suspend Copenhagen services entirely
Reduce frequencies to Manchester
Trim flights on the London Heathrow route
The airline says these changes will help strengthen operational reliability amid external constraints, including aircraft availability and long-haul operational pressures.
For passengers, this could mean:
schedule changes
flight consolidations
or, in some cases, cancellations
If you’re booked on one of these routes, it’s worth keeping a close eye on your inbox.
Why This Matters for Manchester Airport
Manchester has become a key long-haul growth airport in recent years, especially with Terminal 2 now acting as the airport’s main international hub.
If you’re flying from MAN, these updates land alongside:
IndiGo securing long-haul slots at Manchester
other airlines reshuffling international routes
and continued pressure on peak-time operations
If you’re travelling soon, I’d strongly recommend arriving early and knowing your options airside.
Manchester Airport Terminal 1 Is Closing: What This Means for Terminal 3 and Ryanair Passengers
👉 Lounge reads you might find useful:
(All are accessible with Priority Pass, subject to availability.) Inside Manchester Airport’s New Terminal 2, Airlines, Lounges & Parking Tips for 2026
Flight Cancelled or Delayed? Know Your Rights
Here’s the important bit many passengers miss.
If your IndiGo flight:
is cancelled, or
delayed by 3+ hours, or
you miss a connection due to disruption
you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004, depending on the circumstances.
That can be:
£220 (short-haul)
£350 (medium-haul)
up to £520 per passenger (long-haul)
Compensation depends on flight distance, not ticket price.
How I’d Check Compensation (Without the Headache)
Rather than arguing with airlines yourself, I usually recommend using Flightright.
Why?
Free eligibility check in minutes
No upfront cost
You only pay a success fee (typically 20–30% + VAT) if they win
They handle the legal process, even going to court if needed
(Claim up to £520 per passenger minus success fee)
This is particularly useful when airlines make last-minute network changes like this.
A Wider Pattern Emerging?
This isn’t just about IndiGo.
Manchester has also seen:
airlines quietly trimming frequencies rather than adding capacity
increased focus on reliability over expansion
You can read more context here:
The message from airlines is clear: fewer flights, better performance at least for now.
Plane-Honest Take
IndiGo’s decision makes operational sense, but for passengers it adds uncertainty especially if you’re connecting or travelling on fixed dates.
If you’re affected:
Monitor your booking closely
Know your EU261 rights
Don’t leave compensation on the table if your flight is cancelled or heavily delayed
👉 Flightright can check your claim for free in minutes (up to £520 compensation per person, minus success fee)
Plane-Related Manchester Reads
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Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London airport a
nd mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.
Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading IndiGo Cuts Manchester & Heathrow Flights as Reliability Concerns Grow.
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