Turkish Stats Office announces national accounts revision

Turkish Stats Office announces national accounts revision

India's largest airline, IndiGo, has received a six-month extension to continue leasing two aircraft from Turkish Airlines, according to an announcement made on August 28, 2025. This extension, which will expire on February 28, 2026, aims to help IndiGo mitigate losses from the Pakistan airspace ban imposed earlier this year. The decision comes after IndiGo had previously been denied a six-month extension by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in May [1].

The extension will allow IndiGo to maintain its operations on the Delhi-Istanbul and Mumbai-Istanbul routes, where the leased Boeing 777 aircraft are currently operating. This arrangement has been criticized in India due to Turkey's support for Pakistan during the recent conflict between the two South Asian neighbors. Additionally, the tie-up has drawn criticism from rival Air India, which lobbied the Indian government to halt the partnership [1].

The DGCA's initial decision to deny the extension was based on concerns related to the geopolitical implications of the lease. However, the latest extension reflects a shift in the DGCA's stance, indicating a more flexible approach to accommodate IndiGo's operational needs during the ongoing airspace restrictions.

IndiGo's spokesperson stated that the extension provides much-needed continuity and stability in operations, which is crucial for the airline's financial health given the slower first-quarter revenue growth reported earlier this year. The extension is subject to conditions laid down by the DGCA, which has not yet commented on the new arrangement.

This development is significant for IndiGo, which has been facing challenges due to the airspace ban and the subsequent longer routes and higher operational costs. The six-month extension offers temporary relief, allowing IndiGo to continue its operations on the Istanbul routes without the immediate threat of having to terminate the lease.

References:
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-reverses-course-extend-indigos-leasing-deal-with-turkish-airlines-2025-08-28/