IndiGo’s Deadline to Return Turkish‑Leased B737 Jets: What You Need To Know

Published on December 24, 2025

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has set a firm deadline for IndiGo, India’s largest airline, to return five Boeing 737 aircraft leased from a Turkish lessor by March 31, 2026. This directive has serious implications for the airline’s route network, particularly international tourism. The airline has relied on these Turkish‑leased jets to bridge capacity gaps while waiting for new aircraft deliveries. As the deadline looms, passengers and travel planners will need to be prepared for potential disruptions and route changes.

Impact on Travel Routes and Seat Availability

IndiGo has been using the leased Boeing 737 aircraft for its medium‑haul international flights. These include popular routes connecting major Indian cities to destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. With the Turkish‑leased planes expected to be returned by March 2026, travellers will see changes in flight schedules and seat availability.

This decision impacts tourism flow, especially for international tourists travelling to India and Indian tourists flying to destinations like Dubai, Istanbul, and London. For both inbound and outbound tourism, travellers should expect fewer flights or possible capacity reduction as IndiGo seeks to replace the leased aircraft with its own long‑range planes or other leased alternatives.

Tourism is a critical sector in India’s economy, with millions of foreign nationals visiting the country each year. As a result, maintaining robust international flight connections is vital for the country’s tourism growth. The return of these five jets presents an opportunity for IndiGo to expand its fleet with newer, more fuel‑efficient aircraft, like the Airbus A321-XLR, slated to begin delivery in 2026. These aircraft are expected to bolster IndiGo’s network, offering direct flights to more destinations, improving tourism accessibility in India.

Why the Turkish‑Leased Planes Must Go

The reason behind the DGCA’s firm deadline lies in India’s aviation policy and regulatory frameworks. Wet‑leases, like the one IndiGo has with the Turkish lessor, are typically temporary solutions used by airlines when they face fleet shortages or delays in new aircraft deliveries. However, the DGCA’s directive ensures that these arrangements do not become permanent.

IndiGo has been granted extensions on these leases in the past as a temporary measure to address aircraft delays. However, with new long‑haul planes set to arrive in 2026, the DGCA sees no reason for further extensions, marking a transition towards more sustainable fleet growth. The firm deadline underscores the government’s desire to keep the aviation industry’s focus on long‑term infrastructure investments rather than relying on external lease arrangements.

Changes for Tourists and Travel Agents

For travellers, especially those planning long‑haul flights to and from India, adjustments to flight availability may cause some inconvenience. Travel agencies and booking platforms will need to update their systems to reflect the changes. This might mean fewer seats on popular routes, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Tourists planning to visit India’s top destinations like Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, and Kerala might experience an impact on flight connections from cities such as London, Dubai, and Bangkok, which are currently served by the leased B737 aircraft. As IndiGo works on transitioning to its own fleet, potential disruptions are expected for both inbound tourists and outbound passengers planning their travel itineraries.

For the tourism industry, these developments represent both a challenge and an opportunity. As airlines adapt to the regulatory changes, travel planners and tour operators will need to be flexible. They should prepare clients for potential flight changes and advise them on alternate routes or different airlines to ensure seamless travel experiences. This could also provide an opening for other carriers to fill gaps in routes impacted by IndiGo’s fleet transition.

Tourism Sector Adjustments and Prospects

India’s growing importance as a global travel destination means that the airline industry is keenly attuned to the needs of international visitors. As airlines like IndiGo make the shift to newer aircraft, tourism stakeholders, including government bodies, travel companies, and hospitality providers, will need to manage the impact on tourist arrivals.

The transition to more efficient planes like the A321-XLR could expand connectivity to more international destinations while providing Indian tourists with more options for overseas travel. This will be particularly beneficial for inbound tourism to India, where demand continues to rise, especially from countries in Europe and the Middle East.

Moreover, as IndiGo scales up its fleet with modern aircraft, tourism markets in cities like Jaipur, Varanasi, and Chennai, which are seeing growing international interest, may also benefit from improved connectivity to international hubs.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for IndiGo and the Tourism Industry?

The next year will be crucial for both IndiGo and the broader tourism sector. With the return of Turkish‑leased planes fast approaching, IndiGo is expected to invest in upgrading its fleet and expanding its network to accommodate growing tourism demand. Passengers will benefit from a more modern, fuel‑efficient aircraft fleet capable of offering better comfort and expanded routes.

For India’s tourism sector, the firm deadline represents a chance to align aviation services with tourism growth objectives. By focusing on improving flight connections and enhancing capacity, the country can continue to position itself as a top global tourist destination, making it easier for travellers to access the diverse experiences India has to offer.

As IndiGo navigates this transition, it’s clear that India’s aviation industry and its tourism sector will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of travel. The changes outlined by the DGCA signal a period of growth and opportunity for both sectors as they adapt to new realities and strengthen connections with global markets.