The Indian government has granted a final, time-bound extension to budget carrier IndiGo for continuing to wet lease aircraft from Turkish companies. This permission, valid only until March 2026, comes with a firm 'sunset clause' explicitly stating that no further extensions will be granted. The decision was announced by the aviation ministry on Monday, highlighting it as a temporary measure to address aircraft shortages while prioritizing passenger convenience.
The Details of the Extension and Current Leases
According to the ministry's statement, IndiGo currently operates 15 wet-leased aircraft, with seven of these sourced from Turkish firms. The airline has further approval to induct eight more planes on a wet-lease basis, five of which are slated to come from Turkey's Freebird Airlines. The specific extensions for existing Turkish leases are clear: IndiGo can use two Boeing 777s from Turkish Airlines until February 28, 2026, and five Boeing 737s from Turkey's Corendon Airlines until March 31, 2026. Approval for five Airbus A320s from Freebird Airlines is also in place, though these aircraft are yet to be added to the fleet.
Context: Ground Handling Dispute and Industry-Wide Shortages
This development follows a period of strained aviation ties between India and Turkey. Post 'Operation Sindoor', India withdrew security clearance for Turkish ground handler Celebi, forcing its exit from nine major airports including Delhi and Mumbai. Subsequently, the government had initially directed IndiGo to return two wide-body aircraft leased from Turkish Airlines by August 31, a deadline later pushed to February 2025.
The ministry clarified that the wet-lease permissions are a direct response to industry challenges. 'Wet leasing of aircraft is a normal practice... recently due to grounding of aircraft because of engine related issues and delays in delivery... many Indian carriers as a stop gap arrangement are resorting to wet lease,' the statement explained. This stop-gap measure aims to ensure Indian carriers can serve passengers and utilize bilateral flying rights.
IndiGo's Commitment and SpiceJet's Leases
The government based its decision on an undertaking from IndiGo, which sought this 'last time extension' because its own long-range Airbus A321-XLR aircraft are scheduled for delivery by February 2026. The 'sunset clause' is tied directly to this fleet induction plan.
Meanwhile, the ministry also shared that rival carrier SpiceJet is currently operating 17 wet-leased planes, none of which are from Turkey at present. This underscores that while wet-leasing is a common tool for Indian airlines, the specific permissions for Turkish lessors are under heightened scrutiny and strict timelines.
In summary, the Indian government has provided IndiGo a clear but finite runway to continue its Turkish aircraft leases, balancing immediate operational needs with a firm deadline that aligns with the airline's future fleet expansion, all framed within the context of broader industry supply-chain disruptions.
