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IndiGo welcomed the decision, citing operational stability and continuity amid ongoing global tensions.
A photo for IndiGo flight (PTI)
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has extended the deadline to IndiGo to operate two leased Boeing 777 aircraft from Turkish Airlines. However, the extension has been granted with some conditions.
“We acknowledge the acceptance of IndiGo’s request for extension to its wet lease arrangement with Turkish Airlines, subject to conditions laid down by the regulator. This approval comes at a crucial time and will help mitigate losses to Indian aviation due to geopolitical restrictions, and greatly benefit Indian travellers during the peak travel season by ensuring a seamless, direct connection to Istanbul and points beyond,” the airline said in a statement.
According to PTI sources, DGCA has granted a six-month extension, allowing the continued operation of two Turkish Airlines aircraft under a wet/damp lease arrangement until February 28, 2026.
The wet lease arrangement involves the leasing of foreign aircraft, along with crew, maintenance and insurance. The extension has been given subject to certain conditions, including that IndiGo may consider getting these or other suitable aircraft on dry lease and operate the same on their AOC (Air Operator Certificate), the sources said.
Under dry lease, only the aircraft is leased. Beyond this extension, IndiGo may either operate the India-Turkey route with their own aircraft or any other wet/damp leased aircraft compliant with existing norms, they added.
IndiGo currently uses the Turkish-leased aircraft for direct flights between Delhi, Mumbai, and Istanbul.
In a statement issued Thursday, IndiGo welcomed the decision, citing operational stability and continuity amid ongoing global tensions.
“We are thankful to the authorities for accepting our request for extension. As always, we continue to be fully compliant with the relevant regulations and conditions of extension laid down by the authorities,” the airline said.
This development comes in the backdrop of strained diplomatic ties between India and Turkiye. In May, following Ankara’s support for Pakistan and its criticism of India’s anti-terror operations, India’s aviation security regulator BCAS revoked the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, a Turkish ground-handling company, citing national security concerns. In response, some travel portals and associations had even issued advisories urging Indian travellers to avoid visiting Turkiye.
(With PTI inputs)
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
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