On Friday, the airline confirmed that its wide-body operations would cease on October 25, with the lease agreement with Norse Atlantic set to end on October 31.
Meanwhile, flights from Mumbai to Amsterdam will continue using the smaller Airbus A321XLR aircraft starting October 25, but services to London Heathrow will be temporarily halted until IndiGo begins receiving its Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
Initially, IndiGo leased six Boeing 787-9 aircraft from Norse Atlantic in early 2025 as part of a strategy to gain operational expertise ahead of launching long-haul services with its own Airbus A350 fleet. This initiative enabled the airline to tap into European markets while developing skills in long-haul network planning, crew operations, maintenance, airport handling, and revenue management.
However, the operating landscape has markedly worsened since that time.
The airline indicated that ongoing geopolitical tensions have raised operational costs. Restrictions in airspace, high fuel prices, and currency fluctuations have adversely impacted route efficiency, schedule reliability, and overall competitiveness. As a result, the challenging climate prompted a reassessment of the program.
“The global aviation industry is still grappling with persistent geopolitical uncertainties, which call for a careful allocation of resources in the short term while safeguarding long-term strategic goals,” stated Abhijit Dasgupta, Senior Vice President for Planning and Revenue Management at IndiGo.
Despite halting its leased wide-body operations, IndiGo reassured that this does not change its long-term international expansion strategy.
The airline will continue to enhance its European network with the Airbus A321XLR and is preparing for the introduction of its Airbus A350-900 fleet, which is anticipated to support its future long-haul strategy.
IndiGo committed to assisting affected passengers with alternative travel arrangements or refunds whenever applicable.
