NEW DELHI: IndiGo‘s CEO Pieter Elbers on Sunday addressed the Turkish Airlines agreement termination deadline of August 31 set by the government.“This is the government’s decision and we will comply with the government’s decision. We have the coming month to find a solution for the customers which were booked,” he said.Further talking about the airlines’ action plan he added, “The extension helps us to have more time to get that addressed, and we’ll look at how to address it and how to incorporate it. We still have time for the next few months to do that. “Also read: IndiGo confirms order for 30 more Airbus A350s, strengthens wide-body fleetThis statement comes just days after the DGCA issued a “one time last and final three-month extension” to IndiGo for operating two wide-body Boeing 777s wet-leased from Turkish Airlines. Instead of the requested extension until November 30, 2025, the aircraft usage is now permitted until August 31. A senior aviation official stated that this final extension was granted to prevent passenger disruption, with IndiGo providing assurance to terminate the damp lease arrangement within this period without seeking further extensions.The official elaborated that IndiGo currently operates two Boeing 777-300 extended range aircraft under damp lease from Turkish Airlines, initially authorised until May 31, 2025. Whilst the airline sought a six-month extension, this was not approved. However, to avoid immediate flight disruptions affecting passengers, a three-month extension was granted as a final concession.The DGCA’s ruling follows recent developments in Indo-Turkish relations, particularly Turkey’s support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and Pakistan’s utilisation of Turkish drones for attacks on Indian cities near the western frontier. This has prompted a strategic reassessment in New Delhi. The Indian authorities had previously withdrawn security clearance for Turkish ground handling firm Celebi, restricting its operations across nine Indian airports. Read more: DGCA gives ‘last & final’ 3-month extension to IndiGo for 2 Boeing 777s wet leased from Turkish Airlines
