IndiGo granted six-month extension to operate leased Turkish Airlines planes

DGCA has granted a six-month extension to IndiGo to operate two leased Boeing 777 aircraft from Turkish Airlines till February 28, 2026, with certain conditions. The move comes after the regulator provided a one-time final extension of three months in May. The extension is subject to conditions, including IndiGo considering dry lease options and not seeking further extensions.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted IndiGo a six-month extension to operate two leased Boeing 777 aircraft from Turkish Airlines until February 28, 2026. This decision follows a previous one-time final extension of three months provided by the regulator in May [1].

The approval comes despite the regulator's directive that IndiGo must return the aircraft by August 31. The extension allows IndiGo to maintain its long-haul services to Istanbul, which is beyond the range of its narrowbody fleet. The airline began leasing the Turkish B777s in 2023 to launch these services [1].

The DGCA's decision was influenced by ongoing geopolitical tensions with Turkey following its support for Pakistan after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor on May 7. Pakistan's airspace restrictions have continued since April, making it unviable for IndiGo to deploy its Airbus A321 aircraft on the route [1].

IndiGo has stated that the extension is crucial for mitigating losses in the aviation sector due to geopolitical restrictions and will benefit travelers during the peak travel season by ensuring a seamless, direct connection to Istanbul and points beyond [1].

The extension comes with certain conditions, including IndiGo considering dry lease options and not seeking further extensions. This move underscores the regulator's commitment to maintaining operational stability while addressing geopolitical challenges [1].

References:
[1] https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/indigo-gets-six-month-dgca-approval-to-keep-turkish-b777-aircraft-125082801530_1.html