The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted IndiGo a “last and final” three-month extension to operate two wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft leased from Turkish Airlines, with a clear directive to terminate the arrangement by 31 August 2025. This decision comes amid rising diplomatic tensions between India and Turkey, particularly following Ankara’s public support for Pakistan in recent military and geopolitical developments.
IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, had initially sought a six-month extension for the damp lease, which was due to expire on 31 May 2025. However, the government and the aviation regulator refused this longer extension, instead allowing a one-time, three-month period to ensure there is no immediate disruption to passenger services on the crucial Delhi-Istanbul and Mumbai-Istanbul routes.
A damp lease is an arrangement where the lessor, in this case Turkish Airlines, provides the aircraft and cockpit crew, while the lessee, IndiGo, supplies the cabin crew and handles ticketing and passenger services. The two Boeing 777-300ER jets, each with over 500 seats, have been vital for IndiGo’s long-haul operations, especially after several Airbus A320neo aircraft were grounded due to engine issues.
Security Concerns and Industry Impact
The extension was granted only after IndiGo gave a written undertaking that it would not seek any further extension and would end the lease within the new deadline. The DGCA’s move is seen as a balancing act—ensuring continued air connectivity for Indian travellers while responding to national security concerns and public sentiment over Turkey’s recent diplomatic stance.
The backdrop to this regulatory decision is significant. There has been a growing clamour in India to review business ties with Turkish companies after Turkey’s vocal support for Pakistan during recent conflicts, including condemnation of India’s strikes on terror camps. In mid-May, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked the security clearance of Turkish ground handling firm Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, citing national security, which affected operations at several major airports.
IndiGo’s CEO, Pieter Elbers, has stated that the airline will fully comply with all government regulations regarding its operations and partnerships. The airline now faces the challenge of maintaining its international network to Turkey. Industry experts suggest IndiGo may have to revert to using its smaller Airbus A320neo or A321neo aircraft for these routes, or look for alternative wide-body aircraft as it builds its own long-haul fleet.
The DGCA’s final extension underscores the regulator’s intent to reduce Indian airlines’ reliance on foreign wet or damp leases and encourage the development of indigenous wide-body capabilities. For now, passengers travelling between India and Turkey will not face immediate disruption, but changes in aircraft type and capacity on these routes are likely after August.
In summary, IndiGo’s damp lease of Turkish Airlines aircraft will end by 31 August 2025, with no further extensions permitted. This decision reflects both operational needs and the government’s response to the current geopolitical climate, marking a significant shift in India’s civil aviation landscape.
