IndiGo Scales Back Europe Routes Amid Airspace Disruptions and Congestion
India’s largest airline, IndiGo, on Wednesday announced the suspension and reduction of several long-haul services, citing operational challenges caused by airspace closures tied to geopolitical tensions and worsening airport congestion. The carrier will halt its Copenhagen route from February 17, only months after launching it in October, and trim frequencies on key services between Delhi and Britain. The move follows similar overseas cutbacks by Air India, which has suspended some U.S. routes after Pakistan barred Indian airlines from using its airspace.
IndiGo said recent restrictions in parts of the Middle East, along with congestion at airports in India and abroad, have significantly increased flight durations for its leased Boeing Dreamliner aircraft. The airline currently operates these widebody jets through an arrangement with Norse Atlantic Airways, using planes built by Boeing. To stabilise operations, Delhi–Manchester services will be reduced to four weekly flights from February 7 and further to three from February 19, while Delhi–London Heathrow frequencies will drop to four a week from five.
The airline said it is taking immediate steps to improve reliability in its widebody operations and will continue adjusting its network in response to evolving external conditions. IndiGo had faced criticism in December over pilot roster planning issues that led to a wave of domestic flight cancellations. Looking ahead, the airline — one of the largest customers of Airbus — expects delivery of its first A350 widebody aircraft in early 2028, a delay from its earlier 2027 target.
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