DGCA Extends Deadline for IndiGo’s Leased Turkish Airlines Planes by Six Months

Rapid Summary

• Teh DGCA has granted IndiGo a six-month extension, until february 28, 2026, for operating two leased Boeing 777 aircraft from turkish Airlines.
• this decision comes after a one-time final extension of three months had been provided in May 2025.
• Conditions include that IndiGo must consider acquiring its own or other suitable aircraft on dry lease for future operations after this period. Further extensions will not be considered.
• A “wet lease” involves foreign aircraft along with crew, maintenance, and insurance provided by the lessor; under “damp lease,” maintenance is included along with the aircraft but not the crew or insurance.
• IndiGo uses these leased planes to operate direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul amidst high travel demand and geopolitical constraints surrounding India-Turkey relations.
• In May this year, geopolitical tensions led to some advisories against traveling to Turkey, as well as revoked security clearances for certain Turkish firms in India’s aviation sector over national security concerns.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The DGCA’s decision highlights an important balancing act between regulatory standards, operational continuity for airlines like IndiGo, and underlying geopolitical challenges between India and Turkey. By providing a conditional six-month extension while firmly asserting that no further extensions will follow, the regulator encourages greater reliance on domestic or independent solutions in line with Indian aviation norms like dry leasing arrangements.

This extension helps address immediate traveler demand during peak international seasons but also leaves room for long-term strategic adjustments by IndiGo-capitalizing on growing overseas markets without being heavily reliant on foreign partnerships that may face political scrutiny. As bilateral relations influence business decisions within sectors like aviation, ensuring compliance with regulatory expectations while maintaining stable services is critical for market confidence and national interests alike.

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