IndiGo to End Agreement with Turkish Airlines for Istanbul Flights by August 2025

IndiGo, one of India’s leading airlines, has pledged to terminate its current agreement with Turkish Airlines concerning the wet leasing of two Boeing 777 aircraft and their associated crew. This arrangement, which was established to facilitate flights between New Delhi, Mumbai, and Istanbul, will come to an end by August 31, 2025. The airline’s decision follows the issuance of a directive by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) after the agreement faced scrutiny in light of geopolitical tensions.

To prevent disruption for passengers, IndiGo has been granted a final extension of three months. Initially, the DGCA had rejected the airline’s request for an extension beyond May 31, 2025, to continue using the wet-leased aircraft. However, in response to IndiGo’s assurance that the arrangement would be concluded by the end of August, the regulator has agreed to this temporary relief. The airline was under pressure to avoid inconveniencing its customers, especially with summer travel and peak season bookings approaching.

The Role of Wet Leasing in IndiGo’s Operations

The use of wet-leased aircraft was critical for IndiGo in overcoming operational challenges. In 2023, due to the grounding of several aircraft caused by issues with Pratt & Whitney engines, the airline turned to Turkish Airlines for assistance. The wet lease allowed IndiGo to continue offering flights on the Istanbul route by deploying two Boeing 777 aircraft that were capable of handling the longer journey without the technical limitations of IndiGo’s narrowbody A321 aircraft.

The A321, which was initially intended for these routes, faced challenges in terms of range, requiring additional fuel stops or weight reductions that affected the number of passengers that could be carried. This situation led to operational inefficiencies, which prompted IndiGo to seek a solution by wet leasing larger aircraft, namely the Boeing 777s, from Turkish Airlines.

Geopolitical Tensions and Their Impact

While the operational aspects of the agreement were essential for IndiGo’s connectivity to Istanbul, recent geopolitical developments have added another layer of complexity to the arrangement. Following military actions along the India-Pakistan border, there were calls in India for a boycott of Turkey due to its support for Pakistan. These political pressures have influenced the DGCA’s stance on the ongoing lease agreement, adding urgency to IndiGo’s decision to end the arrangement.

The airline, mindful of both its operational needs and the growing geopolitical tensions, has committed to ending the wet lease by the new deadline. This decision reflects IndiGo’s broader approach to navigating regulatory requirements while managing the operational challenges posed by geopolitical factors.

IndiGo’s Future Plans for Istanbul Routes

With the agreement set to conclude by the end of August, IndiGo will need to adapt its strategy for maintaining its Istanbul service. The airline had previously deployed its own narrowbody A321 aircraft for the route, which, as mentioned, proved less than ideal for the long-distance journey. The return to using its own aircraft will require IndiGo to ensure sufficient capacity and operational efficiency to meet demand without relying on the wet-leased Boeing 777s.

In addition to resolving its equipment and capacity issues, IndiGo will likely focus on expanding its fleet and exploring alternative solutions to enhance its international route network. The airline’s commitment to maintaining a seamless passenger experience despite these challenges will likely drive future fleet acquisitions and strategic partnerships.

A Shift Toward Self-Sufficiency in Long-Haul Operations

The decision to phase out the wet lease arrangement with Turkish Airlines aligns with IndiGo’s broader goal of achieving greater self-sufficiency in its long-haul operations. While wet leasing has been a viable solution in the short term, IndiGo is likely focused on reinforcing its fleet with aircraft that can operate efficiently on long-haul routes, including those to destinations like Istanbul, without the constraints of reliance on leased aircraft.

IndiGo’s growth trajectory has long been defined by its emphasis on low-cost operations and efficiency. As the airline continues to expand its international footprint, it will be crucial for the carrier to find sustainable ways to meet both its operational needs and customer expectations. The termination of the wet lease with Turkish Airlines marks a significant step in IndiGo’s long-term strategy for managing international routes independently.

Conclusion

IndiGo’s commitment to ending its agreement with Turkish Airlines reflects a strategic shift toward strengthening its own fleet for international operations. The temporary extension granted by the DGCA ensures that passengers will not be immediately impacted by disruptions, while the airline prepares for the end of the lease in August 2025. As IndiGo continues to grow, it will undoubtedly explore more sustainable solutions to its long-haul service needs, further enhancing its position in the global aviation market.