IndiGo to end 787 operations, return wet-leased aircraft to Norse Atlantic before November

Less than two years since entering a partnership with Norse Atlantic Airways to lease Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for long-haul flight operations, IndiGo is discontinuing the ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) cooperation effective November 1.

In a statement by Norse Atlantic, both companies have discussed the remaining ACMI cooperation and mutually agreed to discontinue the arrangement citing continued geopolitical challenges affecting airline industry and long-haul operations between India and Europe. IndiGo previously notified Norse Atlantic of the return of one 787 at the end of August following the closure of its route to Manchester back in June.

IndiGo had a total of six wet-leased 787s from Norse Atlantic which have been used on the Indian budget carrier’s flights between India and Europe. Since taking on the first 787 in March 2025, IndiGo has operated the aircraft on routes to Copenhagen, Amsterdam, London Heathrow, and Manchester. Following the latest announcement, the remaining five aircraft currently operated by IndiGo will be redelivered back to Norse Atlantic.

"We are grateful for the strong cooperation we have had with IndiGo over the past eighteen months. It has been a valuable experience for Norse Atlantic. However, there is no doubt that the elevated fuel prices, airspace disruptions and longer flight routes resulting from the Middle East conflict have affected the commercial viability of the arrangement for both parties. We have therefore jointly concluded that alternative deployment of the aircraft will be more commercially beneficial to both parties,” says Eivind Roald, CEO of Norse Atlantic.

“We extend our appreciation to Norse Atlantic Airways for its valued partnership and professional services; and to our customers, employees and partners whose trust, commitment and support have been central to this journey,” says Abhijit Dasgupta, SVP Planning & Revenue Management  from Indigo.

With the return of the 787s, Norse Atlantic plans to expand operations within its own network. Among the routes identified are select profitable routes during the winter season such as flights from Europe to Orlando and New York. The airline has also reported it is already engaged in discussions with several airlines regarding ACMI opportunities for up to five aircraft.

Roald added: “The return of these six aircraft opens up strategic opportunities that were not available to us before. We are seeing strong demand for modern, fuel-efficient long-haul aircraft, and we also see attractive opportunities to deploy additional capacity within our own network. Our priority is to use this increased flexibility to improve profitability and create long-term value for our shareholders.”

As a result of the return of the wet-leased 787s, IndiGo will end widebody aircraft operations on October 25. Flights between Mumbai and Amsterdam will use smaller Airbus A321XLR aircraft. Services to London Heathrow will be temporarily suspended until the delivery of the airline’s first A350-900.

The Indian carrier is awaiting orders for aircraft to support its future long-haul ambitions such as the Airbus A321XLR and widebody A350-900 aircraft. The airline expects to receive its first A350 in 2027.