IndiGo to End Boeing 787 Operations
IndiGo will discontinue operations using leased wide-body aircraft from October 25, ending its interim Boeing 787 programme as geopolitical disruptions and rising costs undermine its long-haul network.
IndiGo Ends Boeing 787 Operations
India’s largest airline will stop operating Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from October 25 and conclude its damp-lease arrangement with Norse Atlantic Airways by October 31.
Under the agreement launched in March 2025, IndiGo leased six Boeing aircraft with cockpit crew from the Norwegian airline. The arrangement allowed IndiGo to enter European markets while preparing for the arrival of its own Airbus A350-900 fleet.
The leased aircraft served destinations including London Heathrow, Amsterdam, Manchester and Copenhagen. IndiGo had already reduced or suspended several services after operational difficulties affected schedule reliability.
London Flights Suspended After Fleet Exit
IndiGo will suspend its London Heathrow services when the Boeing 787 operations end. The airline plans to resume wide-body flights after receiving its Airbus A350-900 aircraft, currently expected from early 2028.
Its Mumbai-Amsterdam service will continue using the smaller Airbus A321XLR, while other European destinations may also be served by the long-range narrow-body aircraft.
Affected passengers will be contacted and offered alternative travel arrangements or refunds in accordance with applicable regulations.
Airspace Restrictions Raise Operating Costs
IndiGo attributed its decision to geopolitical tensions, restricted airspace, higher aviation fuel prices and currency pressures. Pakistan’s airspace restrictions on Indian airlines have forced longer westbound routes, increasing flying time and fuel consumption.
Conflict in West Asia has further disrupted airspace and raised international crude prices, weakening the commercial viability of some long-haul services.
Despite ending the leased Boeing programme, IndiGo said its international expansion plans remain unchanged. The airline intends to expand its European network with Airbus A321XLR aircraft before developing a larger long-haul operation around its future A350 fleet.
