In a significant fleet upgrade, IndiGo has begun receiving its new Airbus A321 XLR aircraft, with the first plane touching down in Delhi on Wednesday. This landmark delivery, which is also India's first aircraft of this type, marks the start of a strategic shift for the airline as it prepares to replace its damp-leased Boeing 777 planes from Turkish Airlines on key routes to Istanbul.
DGCA Mandate Ends Turkish Boeing 777 Lease
The move comes after India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), informed IndiGo that it would not permit extensions for the lease of two Boeing 777 aircraft from Turkish carriers. The existing lease was valid only until the end of February. This decision was taken in the backdrop of diplomatic friction between India and Turkey, following Turkey's public support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.
Initially, the DGCA had stated last month that no extension would be granted beyond August. However, upon a request from IndiGo, the regulator allowed a one-time final extension until February-end, making it clear that no further extensions would be authorized. DGCA approvals are compulsory for Indian airlines to wet-lease or damp-lease aircraft from foreign operators.
A321 XLR: The Game-Changer for IndiGo's International Ambitions
The newly inducted Airbus A321 XLR is a narrow-body aircraft with an impressive range of up to 8,700 kilometers, the longest in its category. This capability allows it to fly non-stop from India to destinations in Europe and the Far East, a feat previously possible only with larger wide-body planes like the Boeing 777.
IndiGo plans to deploy its new A321 XLRs on the daily Delhi-Istanbul and Mumbai-Istanbul routes from late February or early March, directly replacing the Turkish Boeing 777s. The airline expects to receive eight more A321 XLRs out of its total order of 40 within this year. These aircraft will first be used on existing long-haul routes, including services to Istanbul and Bali, Indonesia.
"As more A321 XLRs join its fleet, the airline will also launch flights on new long-haul routes to Europe and East Asia," IndiGo stated. Furthermore, the carrier will use this aircraft to launch new flights to Athens from Mumbai and Delhi later this month.
Fueling IndiGo's 'Internationalisation' Strategy
This fleet transition is a cornerstone of IndiGo's aggressive "internationalisation" strategy. Having captured over 60% of the domestic market, the airline is now sharply focused on expanding its international network. The A321 XLR is pivotal for connecting medium-haul international destinations that were previously out of reach for its narrow-body fleet.
Indian airlines currently carry only 45% of India's international air passenger traffic, with foreign carriers dominating the remaining 55%. The gap is even wider on India-Europe routes, where overseas airlines hold a commanding 70% share. IndiGo aims to capture a larger piece of this market with its new, efficient aircraft.
In recent years, IndiGo has expanded its international footprint to Central Asia, the Caucasus, Southeast Asia, and Africa using its narrow-body planes. Last year, it entered the long-haul segment with damp-leased Boeing 787 aircraft from Norse Atlantic for European flights. Looking ahead, IndiGo has 60 wide-body Airbus A350 aircraft on order, with deliveries expected to start from 2027, which will enable it to operate long-haul routes with its own fleet.
Other Indian carriers are also modernizing their fleets. Notably, Air India has also placed orders for the A321 XLR aircraft, signaling a industry-wide shift towards more efficient, long-range narrow-body planes for international expansion.
