IndiGo to suspend London flights, end Boeing 787 lease from October-end

IndiGo will stop its leased Boeing 787 wide-body operations from 25 October and end its Norse Atlantic agreement. The move reflects geopolitical and cost pressures, even as the airline says its long-haul expansion plan remains intact.IndiGo on Friday announced that it will discontinue its wide-body operations from October 25, citing a challenging operating environment arising from ongoing geopolitical tensions. The airline will also conclude its damp lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways by the end of October, while reaffirming that its long-term international expansion plans remain unchanged.As part of the transition, IndiGo said its Mumbai-Amsterdam service will continue using the Airbus A321XLR from October 25, while flights to and from London Heathrow will be temporarily suspended until the airline begins receiving its Airbus A350-900 aircraft.GEOPOLITICAL TENSIONS FORCE STRATEGY SHIFTIndiGo had entered into a damp lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways in early 2025 for six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft to kickstart limited long-haul operations. The initiative was designed to help the airline gain operational experience, strengthen its international brand and build capabilities ahead of the induction of its own Airbus A350 fleet.According to the airline, the programme enabled it to develop expertise in long-haul network planning, crew operations, maintenance, airport handling, customer experience, revenue management and international partnerships while operating services to destinations in the UK and Europe. However, IndiGo said the operating environment has changed considerably since the programme was launched. It cited airspace restrictions, elevated fuel prices, currency pressures and rising operating costs as key reasons for winding up the leased wide-body operations.The airline said these factors have affected route efficiency, schedule reliability, connectivity and overall competitiveness, prompting a comprehensive review of the programme.LONG-HAUL PLANS REMAIN INTACT "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," said Abhijit Dasgupta, Senior Vice President, Planning and Revenue Management, IndiGo.He said the Boeing 787 programme was never intended to be a permanent solution but rather to lay the foundation for IndiGo's future long-haul operations.Dasgupta said the operational experience gained through the project, coupled with a strong customer response, has strengthened the airline's conviction in its long-term international strategy.AIRBUS TO SERVE EUROPEAN NETWORKIndiGo said it remains committed to expanding its footprint across key mid- and long-haul international markets. In the interim, it will strengthen its European operations using the Airbus A321XLR while continuing preparations for the induction of its Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which will mark the next phase of its long-haul ambitions.The airline thanked Norse Atlantic Airways for its partnership and acknowledged the support of customers, employees and business partners throughout the programme.PASSENGERS TO GET ALTERNATIVES, REFUNDSIndiGo said it will work closely with affected passengers to minimise disruption. Customers impacted by the suspension of London Heathrow services or other operational changes will be offered suitable alternatives, including rebooking on other flights or refunds, wherever applicable, to ensure a smooth transition.- EndsPublished By: Priyanka KumariPublished On: Jul 31, 2026 22:36 IST