India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted IndiGo a final three-month extension on its wet lease agreement with Turkish Airlines, allowing the airline to operate two Boeing 777 aircraft until the 31st August, 2025. This decision comes amidst geopolitical tensions between India and Turkey, particularly concerning Turkey’s support for Pakistan during a recent conflict.
The wet lease arrangement, initiated in early 2023, enabled IndiGo to deploy Turkish Airlines’ Boeing 777s on routes between Delhi, Mumbai, and Istanbul. These wide-body aircraft significantly increased the passenger capacity & improved operational efficiency compared to IndiGo’s Airbus A320s, which required refueling stops on longer routes.
Despite IndiGo’s request for a six-month extension, the DGCA approved only a three-month period, growing that this would be the “last and final” extension. The regulator cited the need to be minimize passenger inconvenience & ensure a smooth transition as reasons for the limited extension.
The lease agreement faced criticism from various quarters, including rival carrier Air India, which raised concerns about national security and commercial disadvantages. The Indian government’s decision reflects a balance between maintaining international connectivity and addressing geopolitical considerations.
IndiGo recognized the benefits of the partnership, there was support for enhanced travel opportunities for passengers, and contributions to the aviation industry as well. The airline committed now to not pursue additional extensions after August 31, 2025.
As the deadline approaches, IndiGo will need to explore the alternative arrangements to maintain its international operations, particularly on high-demand routes to Istanbul. This may involve acquiring its own wide-body aircraft or establishing the new partnerships to ensure continued service for its passengers.
