IndiGo to End Agreement with Turkish Airlines for Istanbul Flights by August 2025

The Role of Wet Leasing in IndiGo's Operations

The A321, which was initially intended for these routes, faced challenges in terms of range, requiring additional fuel stops or weight reductions that affected the number of passengers that could be carried. This situation led to operational inefficiencies, which prompted IndiGo to seek a solution by wet leasing larger aircraft, namely the Boeing 777s, from Turkish Airlines.

Geopolitical Tensions and Their Impact

With the agreement set to conclude by the end of August, IndiGo will need to adapt its strategy for maintaining its Istanbul service. The airline had previously deployed its own narrowbody A321 aircraft for the route, which, as mentioned, proved less than ideal for the long-distance journey. The return to using its own aircraft will require IndiGo to ensure sufficient capacity and operational efficiency to meet demand without relying on the wet-leased Boeing 777s.

A Shift Toward Self-Sufficiency in Long-Haul Operations

The decision to phase out the wet lease arrangement with Turkish Airlines aligns with IndiGo's broader goal of achieving greater self-sufficiency in its long-haul operations. While wet leasing has been a viable solution in the short term, IndiGo is likely focused on reinforcing its fleet with aircraft that can operate efficiently on long-haul routes, including those to destinations like Istanbul, without the constraints of reliance on leased aircraft.

Conclusion