Delhi Delight -Manchester Airport’s Direct Route To Indian Capital

The North’s ties with one of the world’s most important economies have been significantly strengthened by news that Manchester Airport has secured a direct service to Delhi, the capital of India.

Virgin Atlantic will fly from the UK’s Northern gateway to Delhi three times a week, starting on 26th October this year. It will benefit the 500,000 people of Indian origin living across the North of the UK, as well as being tipped to unlock a wide range of economic and cultural opportunities.

The route is the latest addition to Virgin’s growing long-haul network from Manchester, and its first travelling east. Its launch reflects the airline’s recognition of the strength of the North’s business and leisure market.

The news has been hailed as a major milestone in Manchester’s relationship with India and comes just more than two years after the Manchester India Partnership (MIP) was set up to forge closer to links between the two places.

Andrew Cowan, CEO of Manchester Airport and Chair of the Manchester India Partnership, said: “Securing a direct service to one of India’s major cities is the product of a lot of hard work over a long period of time to forge closer ties between Manchester and this globally significant economy.

“I am delighted Virgin Atlantic has recognised this by launching what I’m sure will be a hugely popular service, not least for the 500,000 people of Indian origin living across the North.

“Our Aviation team has worked closely with the airline to create a compelling case for why our city – and the wider North – is a great place to visit, invest in and do business with. Virgin Atlantic is a key partner for Manchester Airport and this new route to Delhi is in addition to continued growth in recent years for the airline here at the UK’s third biggest airport.”