IndiGo to Stop Leased Wide-Body Operations in October, Leaving Air India as Sole Twin-Aisle Carrier

IndiGo has announced it will discontinue its wide-body aircraft operations from October 25 and end its damp lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways by October 31. The move leaves Air India as the only Indian carrier operating twin-aisle aircraft starting from this year’s winter schedule.

What Happened

IndiGo had been operating wet-leased Boeing 787 Dreamliners from Norse Atlantic Airways since last March to prepare for its future long-haul operations. The airline had signed up for six Dreamliners to service routes to the United Kingdom and Europe. However, IndiGo stated that a challenging operating environment caused by geopolitical tensions—including airspace closures starting from Pakistan for Indian carriers and the US-Iran war leading to spiralling oil prices and a crashing rupee—made long routes unviable. Consequently, the airline decided to conclude its lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways.

Key Highlights

• IndiGo will stop wide-body operations from October 25 and wrap up its lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways effective October 31.
• Air India will be the only Indian airline operating twin-aisle aircraft starting October 25 for well over a year.
• IndiGo will temporarily suspend flights to and from London Heathrow until its Airbus A350-900 aircraft are delivered.
• Flights between Mumbai and Amsterdam will be operated using single-aisle Airbus A321XLR aircraft from October 25.
• Affected passengers will be offered suitable alternative travel arrangements or refunds.
• Former British Airways chief Willie Walsh, known in the industry for cost-cutting, takes over as IndiGo CEO next week, with the move seen as an early decision prior to his assumption of the role.

Why This Matters

IndiGo stated that elevated fuel costs, currency pressures, and airspace constraints impacted route efficiency, schedule integrity, connectivity, and overall competitiveness. With increased volatility across aviation markets reducing risk appetite across the industry, IndiGo conducted a comprehensive review of the project. The decision leaves Air India as the sole Indian airline with twin-aisle wide-body capacity, a situation last seen when Jet Airways ceased flying in 2019.

What to Watch Next

IndiGo plans to deploy its Airbus A321XLR single-aisle aircraft to strengthen its European network, including the route between Mumbai and Amsterdam. Abhijit Dasgupta, IndiGo Senior Vice President for Planning and Revenue Management, noted that the airline remains committed to expanding its global footprint and preparing for its own wide-body services. Deliveries of IndiGo’s Airbus A350-900 wide-body aircraft are expected from mid-2028 according to people in the know.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is IndiGo stopping its wide-body flights?

IndiGo cited a challenging operating environment triggered by geopolitical tensions, airspace closures, rising oil prices, and currency pressures that affected route efficiency and costs.

What options are available for passengers affected by the London Heathrow suspension?

IndiGo stated it will work closely with affected customers to provide appropriate alternatives, including refunds and alternate travel arrangements.

Which Indian carriers will operate wide-body aircraft after October 25?

Air India will be the only Indian carrier operating twin-aisle wide-body aircraft after IndiGo discontinues its leased wide-body flights.

Source: Based on reporting from Times of India.