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India’s Aviation Regulator Extends IndiGo’s Turkish Airlines Lease for Three Months


Updated: May 30, 2025 19:25

Image Source: Business Standard
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has given a three-month extension to IndiGo's wet lease deal with Turkish Airlines, enabling the airline to continue operating two Boeing 777 aircraft on its Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul routes. The move follows geopolitical tensions and capacity issues at IndiGo.
 
1. Lease Extension Details
  • IndiGo had initially sought a six-month extension, but the DGCA sanctioned only three months.
  • The airline has been operating wet-leased Boeing 777s since November 2023 to respond to capacity gaps.
  • The planes carry up to 500 passengers, complementing IndiGo's long-haul international growth.
2. Geopolitical and Regulatory Factors
  • The extension is coming at a time when India is facing diplomatic tensions with Turkiye, as Turkiye backed Pakistan in recent wars.
  • The Indian government recently withdrew security clearance for Turkish ground handling company Celebi, further testing relations.
  • IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said the airline is in complete regulatory compliance.
3. Future Outlook and Industry Impact
  • IndiGo will launch its own wide-body fleet, with Airbus A350-900 deliveries planned from 2027.
  • The airline will grow its international network, including new routes to London, Amsterdam, and Manchester.
DGCA has also stressed the need for local carriers to inculcate their own wide-body capabilities.
 
Sources: Economic Times, Business Today, Times of India, NewsBytes

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