IndiGo to conclude wide-body damp lease operations with Norse Atlantic Airways effective 25 October 2026; Reaffirms long-term long-haul growth strategy
National, 31 July 2026: Due to the challenging operating environment triggered by the ongoing geopolitical tensions, IndiGo today announced that it will discontinue its wide-body operations effective 25 October 2026 and conclude its damp lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways effective 31October 2026. IndiGo flights between Mumbai and Amsterdam will be transitioned to be operated using its Airbus A321XLR, effective 25 October 2026. The airline will temporarily discontinue its services to and from London Heathrow until such time that its A350-900s are delivered.
With the objective of starting limited long-haul operations to fast-track learning, develop capabilities, and establish brand presence in preparation for its Airbus A350 operations, IndiGo entered into a damp lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways for six Boeing 787-9 aircraft in early 2025. This enabled IndiGo to commence services to markets in the UK and Europe, while accelerating the development of the operational capabilities, commercial expertise and customer insights required to support its future widebody ambitions. Over this period, the airline has been able to build critical competencies across long haul network planning, customer experience, crew operations, maintenance, airport handling, revenue management, and international partnerships.
The operating environment, however, has changed considerably since the programme was announced, with significant escalation in costs. Airspace constraints, elevated fuel costs and currency pressures have impacted route efficiency, schedule integrity, connectivity and overall competitiveness. These factors have created operational and economic challenges at a time when volatility across aviation markets has reduced industry-wide risk appetite, prompting a comprehensive review of the project and evaluation of possible alternative solutions.
Abhijit Dasgupta, SVP, Planning and Revenue Management, IndiGo said, “The global aviation industry continues to navigate ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, necessitating a prudent deployment of resources in the short term while preserving long-term strategic objectives. This project was never solely about serving specific routes but laying the foundation for our long-haul operations in future. The invaluable operational learnings and strong customer response during this journey have strengthened our conviction in our long-term international strategy. As we enter the next phase of our growth, we remain firmly committed to expanding our global footprint across key mid and long-haul markets. We will continue to strengthen our European network through services using the Airbus A321XLR, while maintaining internal momentum to prepare for our own widebody services in line with our long-term international ambitions. We extend our appreciation to Norse Atlantic Airways for its valued partnership, and to our customers, employees and partners whose trust, commitment and support have been central to this journey.”
The airline will work closely with affected customers to offer suitable alternatives, including alternate travel arrangements and refunds, as applicable, ensuring a smooth transition.
About IndiGo
IndiGo is India’s preferred and amongst the fastest growing carriers in the world. IndiGo has a simple philosophy: offer fares that are affordable, flights that are on time, and provide a courteous and hassle-free travel experience across its unparalleled network. With its fleet of 430+ aircraft, the airline operates nearly 2200 daily flights, connecting 95+ domestic and 40+ international destinations, and welcomed more than 123 million customers in FY26. IndiGo was named the ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’ by Skytrax at the World Airline Awards 2025 and the sixth Most Punctual Airline in Asia-Pacific in 2025 by the global aviation analytics firm, Cirium.
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