DGCA Curbs IndiGo’s Turkish Aircraft Lease Agreement

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has granted IndiGo a shortened three-month extension—until August 31—to continue operating two Boeing 777-300ER aircraft leased from Turkish Airlines under a damp lease agreement. This is half the six-month extension the airline had sought and, according to the DGCA, will be the "last and final" approval, citing national security concerns amid Turkey’s military support to Pakistan during a recent conflict.

“In order to avoid passenger inconvenience due to immediate flight disruption, IndiGo has been granted a one-time last and final extension of three months,” the DGCA said, adding that the airline must wind down the arrangement and will not be permitted to seek further extension.

This regulatory move follows India’s revocation of security clearance for Turkish-origin ground handling firm Celebi Aviation, which impacted operations at nine major airports. The government cited national security risks tied to Turkey’s alignment with Pakistan. Celebi has challenged the decision in the Delhi High Court, and a ruling is pending.

IndiGo had entered into the damp lease arrangement in November last year, wherein Turkish Airlines provides the aircraft and cockpit crew, while IndiGo supplies cabin crew and manages operational logistics. The setup enabled IndiGo to run wide-body international flights without training its own pilots for the Boeing 777-300ER.

IndiGo did not respond to requests for comment by press time.

Speaking ahead of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) summit in India, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers noted that operations between India and Türkiye remain compliant with bilateral air service agreements but did not directly address the lease issue. “We are compliant today and we will continue to comply with any government regulations,” Elbers said.

Separately, Elbers announced that IndiGo plans to launch direct flights to eight new international destinations this fiscal year, including four in Central Asia. The airline has faced recent disruptions due to Pakistan’s closure of its airspace to Indian carriers, which forced the suspension of services to cities like Tashkent and Almaty due to operational challenges. Elbers said the airline is now evaluating alternate Indian departure points to resume service to Central Asia.