Why IndiGo's Turkey B737 Lease Has a Hard Deadline from DGCA

India's aviation regulator has set a firm deadline for IndiGo's use of five wet-leased aircraft. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed a final extension. This allows the airline to operate five narrow-body planes from Turkey only until March 31, 2026. This extension comes with a “sunset clause”; no further extensions will be granted.

This regulatory decision is a direct response to an undertaking by the airline. IndiGo sought this last extension to manage its current fleet requirements. The carrier is awaiting the delivery of its long-range aircraft. The first Airbus A321-XLR jets are expected to be delivered by February 2026.

Bridging the Fleet Gap

The use of wet-leased aircraft is a temporary measure. It helps the airline maintain its flight schedule and capacity. The five planes are Boeing 737 aircraft leased from Turkey’s Corendon Airlines.

Currently, IndiGo operates 15 foreign aircraft on a wet or damp lease basis. Seven of these planes are from Turkish carriers. This includes the five Corendon B737s. It also includes two Boeing 777 aircraft from Turkish Airlines. The lease for the B777s is set to expire at the end of February 2026.

• Five Boeing 737 planes from Corendon Airlines (Turkey) – Lease ends March 31, 2026.
• Two Boeing 777 planes from Turkish Airlines – Lease ends February 28, 2026.

Context of Wet Leasing in Indian Aviation

Wet leasing is a common global aviation practice. It involves leasing an aircraft along with its crew, maintenance, and insurance. The DGCA official noted the reasons for its increased use in the Indian commercial aviation market.

Indian carriers are using wet leases as a stop-gap solution. This addresses two major industry challenges. The first is the grounding of aircraft due to widespread engine related issues. The second is the delays in delivery of new aircraft from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

This strategy also allows Indian carriers to utilize their rights. These rights are granted under bilateral service agreements with other countries.

Strategic Fleet Transition

The deadline for the IndiGo B737 lease extension is tied to its future fleet. The arrival of the Airbus A321-XLR is a major milestone. This long-range narrowbody jet will enable the airline to expand its international network. The A321-XLR will open new routes to destinations in Europe and East Asia.

IndiGo is India’s largest airline by fleet size and passengers. The strategic fleet transition is crucial for its growth. The airline plans to use the new jets to launch flights to Athens, Greece, in early January 2026.

This firm regulatory stance by the DGCA ensures compliance. It signals a return to domestic-operated capacity. The wet lease sunset clause provides a clear timeline. It minimizes the long-term reliance on foreign-registered aircraft and crew. This is a key regulatory objective for the Indian government. The decision prioritizes passenger interest amid global supply chain disruptions.