The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted IndiGo a six-month extension to operate two Boeing 777 aircraft leased from Turkish Airlines, allowing the airline to continue direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul until February 28, 2026. The decision, announced on Thursday, comes with specific conditions and follows a previous three-month extension in May, which the DGCA had initially declared as final.

The extension reverses the DGCA’s earlier stance against further renewals, prompted by geopolitical tensions after Turkiye supported Pakistan and criticized India’s military actions against terror camps in May. The leased Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, operating under a damp lease—where Turkish Airlines provides maintenance but not crew or insurance—are critical for IndiGo’s international routes. These wide-body planes enable higher passenger capacity compared to IndiGo’s typical narrow-body fleet, serving the growing demand for travel to Istanbul and beyond during the peak season.

IndiGo welcomed the decision, stating, “This approval comes at a crucial time and will help mitigate losses to Indian aviation due to geopolitical restrictions, ensuring a seamless, direct connection to Istanbul.” The airline highlighted the extension’s role in maintaining operational stability amid challenges like Pakistan’s airspace ban, which has forced longer routes and increased costs. The DGCA has stipulated that IndiGo explore dry leasing—where only the aircraft is leased—or operate its own aircraft on the route after February 2026, with no further extensions permitted.

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The move has sparked debate, as rival Air India previously lobbied against the partnership, citing Turkiye’s political stance. Despite this, IndiGo’s CEO Pieter Elbers emphasized the extension’s importance for customer commitments and operational continuity. The airline remains committed to complying with all regulatory conditions, expressing gratitude to the DGCA for the approval.

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