A DIRECT flying route from Manchester to Delhi is set to benefit 500,000 people of Indian origin living in Northern England, including Bradford.

Virgin Atlantic will fly from Manchester Airport to Delhi three times a week, starting on October 26 this year.

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.

The Manchester-Delhi service will be operated by an A330-200 aircraft, with Economy, Premium Economy and Upper Class cabins.

It will fly on a Monday, Thursday and Saturday, departing Manchester at 4.40pm landing in Delhi at 6.05am. The return service, will depart on a Tuesday, Friday or Sunday at 8.10am landing back at 12.10.

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.

“This route will deliver a major boost to businesses looking to export to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, as well as helping to attract Indian visitors and investors to the North.

“We look forward to working with Virgin Atlantic on launching the Delhi service in the months ahead and thank them for their continued growth at Manchester, the UK’s global gateway for the North.”

There are currently 180,000 people a year who fly from Manchester Airport’s catchment area to Delhi, the capital of India and home to is main government functions.

Flights go on sale from March 3, for more information, go to manchesterairport.co.uk/virginatlantic.com