InterGlobe Aviation Limited, which operates India’s largest airline IndiGo, will return one of the six wide-body aircraft it had taken on damp lease from Norse Atlantic Airways after deciding to temporarily suspend flights to and from Manchester.
In a regulatory filing on Tuesday, IndiGo said it will discontinue its India–Manchester services from August 31, 2026, citing prolonged international airspace restrictions, longer flight durations, and a challenging cost environment. As a result, the airline plans to return one Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to the lessor.
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IndiGo had damp-leased six Boeing 787-9 aircraft from Norse Atlantic Airways in early 2025 as part of its strategy to establish a presence in the European market ahead of the induction of its own Airbus A350 aircraft. The leased planes were deployed on select long-haul routes, including services to Manchester.
The airline said operating costs had risen sharply due to geopolitical developments in the Middle East, elevated aviation turbine fuel prices, severe airspace constraints, and foreign exchange volatility, making the route economically unviable in the current environment.
IndiGo added that the suspension of Manchester services is temporary and that it will continue operating its remaining long-haul flights as planned. Affected customers will be informed in advance and offered alternate travel arrangements or refunds, where applicable.
