IndiGo to Discontinue ACMI Partnership with Norse Atlantic Airways

Norse Atlantic Airways has today announced that effective November 1, 2026, IndiGo will discontinue their ACMI cooperation with the airline, resulting in the redelivery of five Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to Norse.

Norse Atlantic Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner - Courtesy Norse Atlantic Airways

On Friday (July 31, 2026), Norse Atlantic Airways announced that IndiGo will discontinue their ACMI cooperation with Norse effective November 1, 2026.  The redelivery of the remaining five aircraft currently operated by IndiGo will increase available capacity to support ongoing ACMI discussions with other airlines, expansion of Norse’s own network, while creating more asset flexibility in the company’s ongoing strategic review.  As previously announced, IndiGo notified Norse Atlantic of the redelivery of one aircraft at the end of August following the closure of their 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.

In Friday’s announcement, Norse Atlantic Airways’ CEO, Eivind Roald, 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.

“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.”

Also commenting on the conclusion of the ACMI partnership, IndiGo’s SVP – Planning and Revenue Management, Abhijit Dasgupta, said,

“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.”

As previously mentioned, Norse is already engaged in discussions with several airlines regarding ACMI opportunities for up to five aircraft and expects to provide further updates in the future. During the interim period, the carrier intends to deploy part of the returning fleet within their own network for increased production on selected profitable routes during the upcoming winter season, such as flights from Europe to Orlando and New York.

Norse Atlantic Airways is committed to offering affordable fares on direct, long-haul flights to popular destinations, along with specialized charter and ACMI services for tailored travel needs, and extensive cargo operations.  Founded by major shareholder Bjørn Tore Larsen in March 2021, Norse operates a modern fleet of 12 fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which seat 338 guests and offer Premium and Economy Class, serving a network of destinations across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.  The airline’s first flight took off from Oslo to New York on June 14, 2022.

Source: Norse Atlantic Airways/Cision