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IndiGo has announced that it will discontinue its wide-body operations from October 25 and end its damp lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways, citing rising operational costs and an increasingly challenging global aviation environment. While the airline will continue operating its Mumbai-Amsterdam route using Airbus A321XLR aircraft, services to and from London's Heathrow Airport will be temporarily suspended until its ordered Airbus A350-900 aircraft join the fleet. The airline said it remains committed to its long-term international expansion plans and will assist affected passengers with alternative travel options and refunds where applicable.
IndiGo has announced that it will discontinue its wide-body operations from October 25 and terminate its damp lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways during the same period, citing a challenging operating environment driven by ongoing geopolitical developments and rising operating costs.
The airline said its Mumbai-Amsterdam service, which is currently operated using a damp leased Boeing 787-9 aircraft, will transition to the Airbus A321XLR from October 25. At the same time, IndiGo will temporarily suspend flights to and from London's Heathrow Airport until the Airbus A350-900 aircraft it has on order are delivered.
The Gurugram-based carrier had entered into a damp lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways in early 2025 for six Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The arrangement enabled IndiGo to begin long-haul international operations ahead of the arrival of its own wide-body fleet.
Explaining the decision, the airline said the operating environment has changed considerably since the programme was launched. It stated that rising operating costs, airspace restrictions, elevated aviation fuel prices and currency fluctuations have affected route efficiency, flight schedules, network connectivity and the overall competitiveness of these long-haul services.
According to the airline, these factors have created both operational and financial challenges at a time when volatility across the global aviation sector has reduced the industry's appetite for risk. As a result, the company carried out a detailed review of the programme and assessed alternative operating options before deciding to discontinue the wide-body operations.
Abhijit Dasgupta, Senior Vice President, Planning and Revenue Management at IndiGo, said the global aviation industry continues to deal with geopolitical uncertainties, making it necessary for the airline to deploy its resources cautiously in the near term while protecting its long-term strategic plans. He added that IndiGo remains committed to expanding its international presence across important medium and long-haul markets as it moves into the next phase of growth.
The airline also said it will work with passengers affected by the changes by offering suitable alternatives, including rebooking on other travel options or refunds wherever applicable, to ensure a smooth transition.
The decision comes as airlines worldwide continue to face operational disruptions caused by restricted international airspace, higher fuel prices and currency volatility. IndiGo has been steadily expanding its overseas network over the past two years and has also placed orders for Airbus A350-900 aircraft to strengthen its long-haul operations in the coming years. Until those aircraft are inducted into its fleet, the airline is expected to focus on strengthening its international network using narrow-body aircraft such as the Airbus A321XLR on routes where they are operationally viable.
Source PTI
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