The Indian government on Monday announced a crucial extension for IndiGo to continue wet leasing aircraft from Turkish carriers, but with a definitive end date. The permission, valid until March 2026, comes with a firm "sunset clause" that prohibits any further extensions beyond this point. This decision is part of the aviation ministry's broader overview of wet lease arrangements by Indian airlines.
The Details of the Lease Extension
IndiGo's current fleet includes 15 wet-leased aircraft, a significant portion of which—seven—are sourced from Turkish companies. The airline has further approval to induct eight more planes on a wet lease basis. Of these, five are slated to come from Turkey's Freebird Airlines. The specific extensions granted are for two Boeing 777s from Turkish Airlines, usable until February 28, 2026, and five Boeing 737s from Turkey's Corendon Airlines, operational until March 31, 2026. The approval for five Airbus A320s from Freebird Airlines remains, though these aircraft have not yet been added to IndiGo's operational fleet.
Background and Government Stance
This development follows a period of strained aviation ties between India and Turkey. Post-Operation Sindoor, India withdrew security clearance for the Turkish ground handling firm Celebi, forcing its exit from nine major airports, including Delhi and Mumbai. Subsequently, IndiGo was initially directed to return two wide-body aircraft leased from Turkish Airlines by August 31. That deadline was later pushed to the end of February.
The ministry clarified that the latest extension is based on an undertaking from IndiGo, which has sought this as a final measure while awaiting the delivery of its own long-range Airbus A321-XLR aircraft, expected by February 2026.
SpiceJet's Leases and the Ministry's Rationale
In its statement, the ministry also shared details for SpiceJet, which currently operates 17 wet-leased planes, none of which are from Turkish operators. The government emphasized that permitting wet leases is a standard global aviation practice. It cited the grounding of aircraft due to engine issues and delays in deliveries from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as primary reasons for this stop-gap arrangement.
"Wet leasing of aircraft is a normal practice... many Indian carriers as a stop gap arrangement are resorting to wet lease from foreign companies in order to serve Indian passengers and also to utilise the rights provided to the Indian carriers under bilateral service agreements," the ministry's statement explained. It stressed that the approvals were granted "primarily keeping passenger interest in mind."
The finality of the "sunset clause" for IndiGo's Turkish leases marks a clear timeline for the airline to transition to its own ordered aircraft, balancing immediate operational needs with long-term strategic independence.
