The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has approved a three-month extension for IndiGo’s wet lease agreement with Turkish Airlines, allowing the carrier to continue operating two Boeing 777 aircraft on the Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul routes beyond the previous May 31 deadline.
This decision comes as diplomatic tensions rise between India and Turkiye, particularly following Turkiye’s vocal support for Pakistan during recent conflicts. In a related move, the Indian government also revoked the security clearance of Turkish ground handling company Celebi, further straining bilateral relations, according to an ET report.
IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, had requested a six-month extension under the revised policy that permits wet leases for six months, extendable by another six months subject to regulatory approval. The airline had originally leased the wide-body aircraft in November 2023 to mitigate capacity constraints caused by the grounding of several Airbus A320neo aircraft, due to issues with Pratt & Whitney engines.
The Boeing 777s, wet-leased from Turkish Airlines, each accommodate up to 500 passengers and have played a critical role in supporting IndiGo’s international network, especially its long-haul routes.
IndiGo has justified the lease extension by citing the benefits to Indian travellers and its ambitions to grow in the long-haul segment. The airline recently confirmed plans to build its own wide-body fleet, with Airbus A350-900 aircraft deliveries set to begin in 2027.
“Flights between India and Türkiye are governed within the bilateral air service agreement. We are compliant today and we will continue to comply with any government regulations on those lines,” said Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, on Friday.
While the DGCA has allowed the extension under provisions that support temporary wet leasing in emergent situations, the regulator has expressed caution about prolonged reliance on such arrangements, reiterating the importance of Indian airlines developing indigenous wide-body capabilities.
“As the aviation industry navigates complex geopolitical landscapes, the DGCA's decision underscores the delicate balance between operational needs and national interests. The extension provides IndiGo with a temporary solution to its capacity challenges while the airline progresses towards establishing its own wide-body operations,” a government official said.
This decision comes as diplomatic tensions rise between India and Turkiye, particularly following Turkiye’s vocal support for Pakistan during recent conflicts. In a related move, the Indian government also revoked the security clearance of Turkish ground handling company Celebi, further straining bilateral relations, according to an ET report.
IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, had requested a six-month extension under the revised policy that permits wet leases for six months, extendable by another six months subject to regulatory approval. The airline had originally leased the wide-body aircraft in November 2023 to mitigate capacity constraints caused by the grounding of several Airbus A320neo aircraft, due to issues with Pratt & Whitney engines.
The Boeing 777s, wet-leased from Turkish Airlines, each accommodate up to 500 passengers and have played a critical role in supporting IndiGo’s international network, especially its long-haul routes.
IndiGo has justified the lease extension by citing the benefits to Indian travellers and its ambitions to grow in the long-haul segment. The airline recently confirmed plans to build its own wide-body fleet, with Airbus A350-900 aircraft deliveries set to begin in 2027.
“Flights between India and Türkiye are governed within the bilateral air service agreement. We are compliant today and we will continue to comply with any government regulations on those lines,” said Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, on Friday.
While the DGCA has allowed the extension under provisions that support temporary wet leasing in emergent situations, the regulator has expressed caution about prolonged reliance on such arrangements, reiterating the importance of Indian airlines developing indigenous wide-body capabilities.
“As the aviation industry navigates complex geopolitical landscapes, the DGCA's decision underscores the delicate balance between operational needs and national interests. The extension provides IndiGo with a temporary solution to its capacity challenges while the airline progresses towards establishing its own wide-body operations,” a government official said.
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