Relations between India and Turkey continue to escalate

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has directed IndiGo to end its wet lease agreement with Turkish Airlines by August 31, 2025. This follows a final, non-renewable three-month extension granted to prevent immediate flight disruptions, particularly on the Delhi-Istanbul and Mumbai-Istanbul routes.

The decision comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions after Turkey openly supported Pakistan in recent conflicts, leading to increased scrutiny of Indo-Turkish aviation ties. Additionally, the security clearance for a Turkish ground-handling company in India was revoked.

IndiGo had requested a six-month extension, but the government approved only a three-month grace period, making it clear that no further extensions would be granted.