IndiGo Extends Lease of Two Aircraft from Turkish Airlines

India’s largest airline, IndiGo (INGL.NS), has announced that the lease period for two aircraft rented from Turkish Airlines has been extended by six months. In May, the Indian government instructed IndiGo to terminate the agreement by 31 August; however, under the new arrangement, the aircraft will remain in the fleet until 28 February 2026.

Company officials stated that this extension will help mitigate operational losses caused by geopolitical restrictions. In particular, Pakistan’s closure of its airspace to Indian airlines has resulted in longer routes and higher costs.

An IndiGo spokesperson said, “This extension ensures continuity and stability in operations.” The company emphasised that the decision remains subject to conditions set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India.

Since 2023, Turkish Airlines has been leasing two wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft to IndiGo, complete with pilots and crew. These aircraft currently operate on the Delhi–Istanbul and Mumbai–Istanbul routes, boosting IndiGo’s capacity.

The IndiGo–Turkish Airlines partnership has faced criticism in India due to regional tensions and Turkey’s political support for Pakistan. Nevertheless, the new extension is seen as a significant boost for IndiGo, especially after the slowdown in revenue growth during the first quarter.