The Indian government has granted IndiGo an extension of its aircraft leasing agreement with Turkish Airlines for an additional six months, until February 28, 2026.

The decision comes after commercial ties between the two carriers were scrutinized in May 2025, during a period of heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan. As Turkey sided with Pakistan, New Delhi began reviewing contracts with Turkish companies in sensitive sectors, including aviation. Other businesses, such as Çelebi Aviation Holding, which manages ground-handling concessions at several Indian airports, were also affected.

This temporary extension offers IndiGo the ability to maintain one of its key international routes, while giving the airline time to evaluate long-term alternatives should a full ban be imposed.

Speaking at the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting in Delhi, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers noted that the airline had initially secured a three-month moratorium on the ban and expressed confidence in finding a longer-term solution.

IndiGo has already placed major orders for Airbus A350 widebodies and A321XLR long-range narrowbodies to expand its long-haul operations. However, leasing Turkish Airlines aircraft remains a crucial stopgap as the airline looks to accelerate access to the European market.