‘End Deal with Turkey,’ Indian Government Gives Indigo 3-Month Ultimatum

Indigo Turkish Airlines News: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India has extended the damp lease period of two wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft taken from Turkish Airlines for three months, which will now be effective till 31 August 2025. Earlier, this period was to end on 31 May 2025.

IndiGo wrote a letter to the DGCA demanding an extension of the lease by six months, which was rejected. After this, the central government gave partial relief of three months with the purpose of passenger facilities and flights. Also, IndiGo has given a written assurance to the government that after three months it will end this lease and will not ask for any detail in the future.

Turkish ground handling company's security approval canceled

Significantly, two weeks ago, the Government of India canceled the security approval of the Turkish Ground handling company 'CELEBI,' due to which it was banned from nine Indian airports. Vigilance has increased in India-Tuki Aviation relations after this development.

Flights under Code-Share from 2018, Damp Lease from 2023

There is a code-share agreement between Indigo and Turkish Airlines from 2018. Under this, both airlines operate shared flights on their networks. Since 2023, Boeing has been taking flights by Boeing 777 aircraft from Turkish Airlines from IndiGo, Delhi, and Mumbai to Istanbul. More than 500 passengers can sit in these aircraft, which provides direct convenience to more passengers on long routes.

IndiGo said - all the rules of the government will be followed

"We will fully follow all the rules and guidelines of the Government of India regarding the aircraft leased from Turkish Airlines," CEO Peter Alber of Indigo said on Friday.

It is worth noting that this is Damp Lease, in which the aircraft provides crew, maintenance, and insurance, while the operating airline looks for ticket sales and operations.

What is the next step?

According to a senior DGCA official, "Indigo has not accepted the demand for a six-month lease expansion. Now it has been given time till 31 August 2025 to make alternative arrangements."

This decision has come at a time when India is insisting on increasing its indigenous aviation fleet and the capacity of international flights.

 Aerial connectivity was strengthened

The cooperation between Indigo and Turkish Airlines has strengthened air connectivity between India and Europe/the Middle East. But the government is now in favor of continuing this partnership for a limited time and is expecting a long-term solution. This is a strategic turn for IndiGo, where he will have to form a long-term strategy for his international flights.