DGCA Reverses 'Final' Order, Grants IndiGo New Turkish Airlines Boeing 777

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has approved a new extension for IndiGo's wet lease agreement with Turkish Airlines.

This latest approval allows IndiGo to continue operating two Boeing 777-300ER widebody aircraft and their crew. The decision marks a significant shift in regulatory policy.

It comes after the DGCA had previously issued a directive to terminate the partnership. The regulator had granted a “one-time final extension” until August 31, 2025, and asked the carrier not to seek any further renewals.

Geopolitical Tensions vs. Operational Needs

The initial directive to end the lease followed heightened diplomatic friction. This friction stemmed from Turkey's public support for Pakistan.

This support was especially noted during the conflict referred to as Operation Sindoor.

Further demonstrating the hardline stance, the security clearance for Turkish ground-handling firm Celebi Airport Services was revoked in May 2025. This action was taken by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on grounds of national security concerns.

However, the DGCA's subsequent approval of the wet lease extension signals a pragmatic shift. The regulator prioritized the operational stability of Indian carriers and passenger convenience.

The Aviation Capacity Crunch

The primary reason for the DGCA's U-turn is the grounded aircraft shortage facing IndiGo.

• A significant number of the airline's Airbus A320neo-family aircraft are grounded.
• This is primarily due to ongoing, global issues with Pratt & Whitney engines.
• The grounded fleet peaked at over 70 aircraft, representing a substantial portion of the narrowbody fleet.
• Leasing widebody aircraft like the Boeing 777-300ER helps maintain capacity on key international routes, such as Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul.

This Indian commercial aviation capacity gap necessitates short-term solutions like wet leasing.

SpiceJet's Turkish Connection

IndiGo is not the only Indian carrier utilizing Turkish-linked aircraft capacity. Budget airline SpiceJet also secured DGCA approval for a wet lease agreement.

SpiceJet is leasing Boeing 737 aircraft from Corendon Airlines, a Turkish carrier, or its Malta-based subsidiary. This arrangement further underscores the widespread aviation capacity crunch in India.

Industry and Political Implications

Industry experts have noted the delicate balance in this decision. Some view the extension as a necessary, short-term measure to relieve passenger discomfort. Others argue that relying on Turkish carriers, given the diplomatic backdrop, is a concern for national security.

• Operational Stability: The extension ensures uninterrupted service on high-demand international routes.
• Economic Impact: It prevents the suspension of routes and potential increases in ticket prices for passengers.
• Geopolitical Compromise: The DGCA's move shows operational necessity can override political pledges, at least temporarily.

For more commercial aviation news and updates on global fleet operations, visit flying.flights. The DGCA is pushing IndiGo to explore alternative, long-term solutions, such as dry leasing or inducting its own widebody fleet.