IndiGo Airlines is temporarily adjusting its operations at Istanbul Airport as it awaits the delivery of its new Airbus A321-200NY(XLR) aircraft and clears the departure of two wet-leased B777-300ER aircraft provided by Turkish Airlines. The airline has secured regulatory approval to operate flights from Mumbai and Delhi with a technical stop at Ras al Khaimah International, starting February 28, 2026. This route adjustment is necessary due to approaching expiry of the wet-leases for the B777-300ERs, which are due to end by March 2026 for regulatory reasons.
The airline also announced plans to recruit over 1,000 pilots to stabilize its operations following significant disruptions in December 2025, which led to over 5,000 canceled flights within a week due to crew shortages. An investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation revealed that IndiGo's staffing levels and scheduling practices contributed to the crisis, prompting measures to increase network planning buffers and standby crew availability. IndiGo's fleet, comprising primarily Airbus A320 and A321 variants along with other leased aircraft, is positioned for further growth with about four aircraft deliveries per month.
Operational and Fleet Strategies
To mitigate disruptions, IndiGo is simultaneously increasing the number of first officers promoted to captains and expanding its fleet, which includes 26 A320-200s, 180 A320-200Ns, 3 A321-200(P2F)s, 168 A321-200NX, and one A321-200NY(XLR). The airline is also leasing additional aircraft, including B737s, B777s, and B787s, to meet its operational demands.
The ongoing route adjustments and fleet expansion efforts are part of IndiGo’s strategy to maintain its position as India's leading low-cost carrier amid regulatory and operational challenges. These measures aim to ensure service stability while supporting the airline’s growth ambitions in both domestic and international markets.
