New Delhi, June 2. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted IndiGo a final three-month extension to continue operating two Boeing 777-300ER aircraft leased from Turkish Airlines, allowing the airline to maintain its flights to Istanbul until August 31, 2025. The aviation regulator made it clear that no further extensions will be permitted.
The aircraft, leased under a damp lease agreement, are currently deployed on direct routes between Delhi, Mumbai, and Istanbul. The original lease was due to expire on May 31, but IndiGo’s request for a six-month extension was rejected by the DGCA. The regulator granted a shorter extension solely to prevent abrupt disruption to services.
This development comes amid growing diplomatic unease between India and Turkey, following Ankara’s vocal support for Pakistan after India’s recent air strikes on terror camps across the border. The geopolitical strain has begun to influence India’s aviation policy, including partnerships with Turkish aviation entities.
Earlier in May, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked the security clearance of Turkish ground handling company Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, citing concerns related to national security. In the wake of this, several travel platforms and industry bodies issued advisories discouraging travel to Turkey.
In its statement on May 30, the DGCA emphasised that the extension is a “last and final” one, contingent upon IndiGo’s commitment to terminate the lease by August 31 and not request further extensions.
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers confirmed the airline’s intent to fully comply with regulatory directives.
“Flights between India and Turkey operate under the bilateral air service agreement. We remain compliant and will continue to adhere to all government regulations,” he said in a statement to PTI Videos.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu earlier noted that the ministry was in consultation with security agencies and the airline before arriving at a decision regarding the Turkish-leased aircraft.
The move signals India’s growing caution in aviation ties with Turkey, driven by broader geopolitical considerations and national security priorities.
