IndiGo to suspend London flights, end Boeing 787 lease as geopolitical tensions raise costs

IndiGo

will suspend its London Heathrow flights and end its damp lease agreement for six Boeing 787-9 aircraft with Norse Atlantic Airways later this year, becoming one of the latest airlines to scale back long-haul operations as geopolitical tensions, airspace restrictions and higher operating costs weigh on international aviation.

The airline said on Friday that its wide-body operations will end on October 25, while the lease agreement with Norse Atlantic will conclude on October 31.

Flights between Mumbai and Amsterdam will continue using the smaller Airbus A321XLR aircraft from October 25, but services to London Heathrow will be temporarily suspended until IndiGo begins taking delivery of its Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

IndiGo had leased six Boeing 787-9 aircraft from Norse Atlantic in early 2025 as part of a strategy to gain operational experience ahead of launching long-haul services with its own fleet of Airbus A350s. The programme allowed the airline to enter European markets while building capabilities in areas such as long-haul network planning, crew operations, maintenance, airport handling and revenue management.

However, the operating environment has deteriorated significantly since then.

The airline said prolonged geopolitical tensions have increased operating costs, with restricted airspace, elevated fuel prices and currency pressures hurting route efficiency, schedule reliability and overall competitiveness. It added that the challenging environment prompted a review of the programme.

"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," Abhijit Dasgupta, Senior Vice President for Planning and Revenue Management at IndiGo, said in a statement.

Despite suspending its leased wide-body operations, IndiGo said the move does not alter its long-term international expansion plans.

The airline said it would continue to strengthen its European network using the Airbus A321XLR while preparing for the induction of its Airbus A350-900 fleet, which is expected to underpin its future long-haul strategy.

IndiGo said it will work with affected passengers to provide alternate travel arrangements or refunds, as applicable.