India Extends IndiGo Turkish Aircraft Lease Six Months

India has extended IndiGo's lease on two Boeing 777 aircraft wet-leased from Turkish Airlines for an additional six months, until February 28, 2026, reversing an earlier decision to end the lease by August 31, 2025. The extension, granted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), aims to safeguard passenger interests amid the continued closure of Pakistan's airspace, which restricts IndiGo's ability to operate narrow-body aircraft on long-haul routes requiring more fuel capacity. These wide-body planes primarily operate on IndiGo's Delhi–Istanbul and Mumbai–Istanbul routes and help the airline maintain its codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines, providing access to over 40 destinations in Europe and the US. The decision comes despite geopolitical tensions, including Turkey's support for Pakistan during recent India-Pakistan conflicts, which had previously led to regulatory caution and pressure from competitors like Air India. IndiGo has indicated confidence in arranging alternatives by the end of the extension period but values the continuity and stability the lease provides in the interim. The Indian government is also reviewing the bilateral air services agreement with Turkey due to a decline in passenger numbers, suggesting further adjustments may follow.