IndiGo Delhi–Manchester flight makes U-turn near Ethiopia–Eritrea border

IndiGo flight 6E33, operated by Norse, made a U-turn near the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea and is returning to Delhi, according to flight tracking service Flightradar24, which reported the development in a post on X.The flight departed from Delhi early Monday for Manchester. It was the first IndiGo Delhi–Manchester flight since February 26.

Flightradar24 said, “IndiGo flight 6E33 (operated by Norse) made a U-turn on the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea and is returning to Delhi. This was the first IndiGo Delhi – Manchester flight since the 26th of Feb.”

IndiGo flight 6E33 (operated by Norse) made a U-turn on the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea and is returning to Delhi.

This was the first IndiGo Delhi – Manchester flight since the 26th of Feb. pic.twitter.com/McCeAUd2tS

— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) March 9, 2026

As per Flightradar24’s website, the Delhi–Manchester route has a great circle distance of 6,829 km, and the average flight time is about 11 hours.

The aircraft took an unusual southern route via the Gulf of Aden and Africa. The routing avoided Middle East airspace due to Iran–Israel tensions.

The flight turned around after about seven hours near the Ethiopia–Eritrea border. It is now heading back to Delhi.

An IndiGo spokesperson said, “Due to the evolving situation in and around the Middle East, some of our flights may take longer routes or experience diversions. Our flight 6E 033 operating from Delhi to Manchester, had to return to its origin due to last minute airspace restrictions, owing to the ongoing situation in West Asia. We are working with the relevant authorities to explore the possibilities of resuming the journey. As always, safety and security of our customers, crew and aircraft is of utmost importance to us.”