An airline has made the decision to discontinue two significant routes from London Heathrow this autumn, despite their recent launch less than a year ago. IndiGo, the budget airline, announced that flights between London Heathrow and India will be terminated, with the service ceasing on October 25 upon the return of borrowed aircraft.

The airline attributed the cancellation of the routes to a challenging operating environment caused by ongoing geopolitical tensions, escalating fuel costs, and airspace restrictions. IndiGo will return leased aircraft from Norse Atlantic Airways in October, coinciding with the end of the affected flights.

Previously, IndiGo operated direct flights to Delhi and Mumbai from London Heathrow, but these destinations will no longer be served, according to the airline. In response to the route changes, India’s largest airline stated that it will assist affected customers in finding suitable alternatives, offering refunds, and facilitating other travel arrangements.

IndiGo revealed that it is anticipating the delivery of new Airbus A350-900 aircraft before resuming operations between India and Heathrow. The airline had also announced plans to discontinue additional routes from Manchester Airport, with these adjustments scheduled to take effect later this month.

The Mumbai and Delhi routes, which commenced in July 2025, are set to cease operations on August 31. IndiGo, known for offering affordable travel between the UK and India, previously provided one-way flights between Manchester and Mumbai for as low as £290.

While IndiGo implements these route changes, several other airlines will continue to offer flights between various UK airports and the two Indian cities. Following a scheduling crisis in 2025, the airline appointed Willie Walsh, a former Irish pilot and airline veteran, as its new chief executive to address operational challenges.

In recent years, IndiGo faced issues such as mass flight cancellations due to unpreparedness for new government regulations on pilot rosters, leading to the resignation of its former chief executive, Pieter Elbers, in March.