The North is set for a major economic boost thanks to a new direct air route to India’s capital. The new route between Manchester Airport and Delhi was announced in the summer, and has now launched.
The Manchester to Delhi route is operated by India’s biggest airline – IndiGo – and has been tipped to accelerate the benefits of the new UK-India trade deal by helping businesses across the North export to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. The news comes just months after IndiGo picked Manchester for its first ever long-haul route into Europe, launching flights to Mumbai.
It means that there will now be nine direct flights a week between the North and India, with Manchester Airport being the only outside London to have services to both Mumbai and Delhi. All flights will operate from Manchester’s state-of-the-art £1.3bn Terminal 2.
Delhi is India’s capital and home to its government. It is also part of the famous ‘Golden Triangle‘ of Delhi, Agra – home of the Taj Mahal – and Jaipur, which is famed for its pink forts, palaces and temples.
Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the financial capital of India and one of the most populous cities in the world. Located on the west coast along the Arabian Sea, Mumbai is the centre of the Hindi film industry and a thriving hub for commerce, fashion, and entertainment.
Research from economic consultancy Metro Dynamics forecasts the two routes will deliver a major economic boost, including:
- Increased exports worth more than £33.5m a year
- More than £26m a year of extra tourism income from Indian visitors
- Around 500 new jobs – supporting £24.2m of extra GVA to the North
- More than £26m of productivity savings for businesses across the North each year
- Significant increases in innovation and research collaboration between the North and India
The route is also of huge benefit to the substantial Indian diaspora living in Manchester Airport’s catchment area, who currently have to suffer the cost and inconvenience of connecting flights when travelling home to visit friends and family.
Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe said: “Here at Manchester Airport we are proud to connect the North to the World and this new connection to Delhi means the people of the region can now enjoy the benefits of nine flights per week to India.
“It will drive millions of pounds into the regional economy, improve tourism links between our two countries and benefit the Indian communities in the North.
“I was incredibly proud to be able to celebrate the inaugural flight and am looking forward to hearing about the benefits this service brings.”
Find flights from Manchester to Delhi, and other destinations here.