India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), approved IndiGo’s request to operate two Boeing 777-300ER aircraft leased from Turkish Airlines under a wet-lease arrangement for a further six months. The move, announced on 28 August 2025, follows a prior three-month extension granted to IndiGo and means the Turkish-owned aircraft can be used until 28 February 2026, subject to regulator conditions.
Under a wet lease, the lessor provides not only the aircraft but also the cabin crew and full insurance, enabling IndiGo to scale or adapt international capacity quickly. The extended lease comes at a time when IndiGo has been expanding its international footprint and seeking to maintain smooth connectivity during a peak travel period, with the airline noting that the arrangement will help mitigate potential losses linked to geopolitical restrictions while supporting travellers’ needs for direct connections to Istanbul and beyond.
Regulatory context and route implications
– The two 777-300ERs were originally slated to operate through 31 August 2025, with the DGCA having approved three months of extension earlier and now allowing an additional six months to 28 February 2026.
– IndiGo plans to use the aircraft to operate direct Delhi-Istanbul and Mumbai-Istanbul routes, enhancing international linkages at a time of rising travel demand.
– The regulator reportedly asked IndiGo not to seek further extensions beyond this period.
Background considerations
– The extension occurs amid a broader geopolitical backdrop, including regional tensions and country positions involving Turkey and India. Industry observers view the move as a pragmatic step to preserve capacity and continuity in IndiGo’s international network during a period of regulatory scrutiny and security considerations.
Company statement and impact
– IndiGo emphasized that the extension provides continuity and stability in operations, helping the airline meet growing international demand and deliver reliable service during the peak travel season.
– By retaining the Turkish-linked capacity for now, IndiGo can maintain seamless connections to Istanbul and onward destinations, supporting both business and leisure travel.
Summary
– DGCA has cleared a six-month extension for IndiGo’s wet-lease of two Turkish Airlines-owned Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, extending the arrangement to 28 February 2026. The move aids continuity of operations, supports imminent travel demand, and preserves direct Istanbul connectivity while the carrier navigates regulatory and geopolitical considerations.
Additional value and takeaways
– For travelers: Expect continued international options via Istanbul in the near term, with maintained flight networks between key Indian cities and the Turkish hub.
– For IndiGo: The extension provides operational stability and flexibility to manage demand while the carrier develops longer-term fleet and route plans.
– Outlook: The six-month window offers a clear horizon for regulatory review and potential fleet adjustments, keeping options open for future capacity expansion or replacement as market conditions evolve.