It seems things haven’t worked out for IndiGo, with the airline planning to discontinue using Norse Atlantic Boeing 787-9 aircraft to operate flights and return them to Norse.
InterGlobe Aviation Limited (“IndiGo”) will discontinue the ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) agreement from the 1st November 2026. This is an expansion of the returned aircraft. On the 2nd June 2026, IndiGo planned to return one aircraft at the end of August after closing the Manchester route.
Since then, the parties have discussed the remaining ACMI cooperation and mutually agreed to discontinue the arrangement due to the continued geopolitical challenges affecting the airline industry and long-haul operations between India and Europe.
The remaining five aircraft will be redelivered to Norse Atlantic and will be used to support ongoing ACMI discussions with other airlines, expansion of its own network, and greater asset flexibility in the ongoing strategic review.
In Quotes
Eivind Roald, CEO of Norse Atlantic, said
“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,”
On the return of the aircraft, they 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,”
Abhijit Dasgupta, SVP Planning & Revenue Management from Indigo said:
“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. This project was never solely about serving specific routes but laying the foundation for our long-haul operations in future. The invaluable operational learnings and strong customer response during this journey have strengthened our conviction in our long-term international strategy. As we enter the next phase of our growth, we remain firmly committed to expanding our global footprint across key mid and long-haul markets. We will continue to strengthen our European network through services using the Airbus A321XLR, while maintaining internal momentum to prepare for our own widebody services in line with our long-term international ambitions.
“We extend our appreciation to Norse Atlantic Airways for its valued partnership, and to our customers, employees and partners whose trust, commitment and support have been central to this journey.”
Fleet deployment and Strategic Reviews Ahead
Norse Atlantic Airways is already engaged in discussions with several airlines regarding ACMI opportunities for up to five aircraft and expects to provide further updates in due course.
The Company intends to deploy part of the returning fleet within its own network for increased production on selected profitable routes during the upcoming winter season, such as flights from Europe to Orlando and New York.
Strategically, Norse is proceeding with a strategic review, with its board having decided to move forward with a formal process, which may result in a sale, merger or partnership.
With the changes ahead, things are certainly not happening how Norse would want them.
Passenger Impact
IndiGo will be suspending wide-body operations on the 25th October, with aircraft returned by the 31st Ocotober.
Flights between Mumbai and Amsterdam will be transitioned to be operated using its Airbus A321XLR effective 25 October 2026. Meanwhile, flights to London Heathrow will be suspended, pending the delivery of Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
The airline will work closely with affected customers to offer suitable alternatives, including alternate travel arrangements and refunds, as applicable, ensuring a smooth transition.
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