IndiGo Must Stop Using Turkish Airlines Jets Over Geopolitical Rift

In a striking development driven by geopolitical tensions, India has taken a strong diplomatic stance that’s now echoing into its aviation sector.

Following Turkey’s public alignment with Pakistan in the wake of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government has directed domestic airline IndiGo to cease its aircraft leasing arrangement with Turkish Airlines.

With the current lease expiring on August 31 and no further extensions permitted, this marks a decisive move reflecting the growing diplomatic rift between New Delhi and Ankara.

IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, has been operating two wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft leased from Turkish Airlines, primarily to serve its long-haul international routes. Initially permitted until May 31, the airline had sought a six-month extension for the lease.

However, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued a clear directive: the extension is valid only until August 31, after which the lease must be terminated — with no further extensions to follow.

The decision comes in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. While the move affects just two aircraft out of IndiGo’s vast fleet of over 400, it still has operational implications.

The airline had leveraged the Turkish Airlines lease for long-haul international operations under a wet-lease model. IndiGo also maintains a codeshare agreement with Turkish Airlines — a pact that now comes under increased scrutiny amid strained bilateral relations.

Speaking to NDTV, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers had stated that the airline operates strictly in compliance with Indian regulations and will continue to adjust its operations as required by the government.

“If the government were to change its set of rules, of course, we will comply with that,” he said. Elbers emphasized that IndiGo’s top priority remains its customers, saying, “If there’s any pressure we feel, it is to fulfill our obligations to all the customers who have put their trust in us.”

Looking ahead, IndiGo is actively pursuing a broader international strategy. The airline plans to launch 10 new international destinations across Europe and Central Asia, along with four new domestic destinations, during the financial year 2026.

Notably, IndiGo will commence long-haul operations with non-stop flights from Mumbai to Manchester and Mumbai to Amsterdam in July 2025. These routes will be served using Boeing 787 Dreamliners wet-leased from Norse Atlantic Airways — a clear sign that the airline is already pivoting to alternative partners to power its global expansion.