IndiGo Airlines Adjusts Istanbul Airport Operations

Last updated: 23 February 2026 08:56

By Holly Snow

3 Min Read

IndiGo Introduces India's First Airbus A321-XLR © IndiGo

IndiGo Airlines added a technical stop at Ras al Khaimah International Airport (RAK) for its Istanbul Airport (IST) operations in order to maintain the routes from Mumbai International (BOM) and Delhi International (DEL) airports. The operational adjustment is necessary, as the damp-leases for two B777-300ERs currently provided by Turkish Airlines are due to end by March 2026 for regulatory reasons.

IndiGo Boeing Dreamliner aircraft flying in blue sky. — Boeing Dreamliner © IndiGo

IndiGo Airlines Aircraft

IndiGo is India’s largest and dominant low-cost carrier, commanding over 64% of the domestic market as of late 2025. It was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Gurgaon. It operates a massive fleet of over 400 aircraft (mostly A320neo family) to over 140 destinations, including expanding international routes. It is also known for being a 4-star, on-time, budget-friendly airline.

In January 2026, IndiGo Airlines received its first Airbus A321-200NY(XLR), the VT-NLA, marking a shift toward long-range, narrow-body international flights. The aircraft features 12 “IndiGo Stretch” business-class seats and 183 economy seats. This long-range aircraft enables 7-8 hour flights to destinations such as Athens from Delhi/Mumbai. A second A321-XLR is expected by late March 2026 to expand capacity.

IndiGo operates a 424-strong in-house fleet, comprising of:

26 A320-200s
180 A320-200Ns
three A321-200(P2F)s
168 A321-200NX
One A321-200NY (XLR)
46 ATR72-600s.

The LCC is also wet-leasing five A320-200s, four A321-200NXs, one B737-8, four B737-800s, two B777-300ERs, and six B787-9s.

IndiGo Airbus A321-XLR aircraft on the tarmac before boarding. Raining. — IndiGo’s First Airbus A321-XLR © IndiGo

Technical Stop Added

The Hindu BusinessLine daily reported that IndiGo has secured regulatory approval to operate flights to Istanbul from Mumbai International and Delhi International with a technical stop at Ras al Khaimah International, effective Feb. 28, 2026.

This operational adjustment is necessary to maintain the route even as the damp-leases for two B777-300ERs currently provided by Turkish Airlines are due to end by the end of March 2026 for regulatory reasons.

Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, said:

“We are happy to partner with Airbus and RECARO on this journey as we combine next-generation aircraft performance, enhanced fuel efficiency, and a thoughtfully designed cabin environment to deliver a comfortable onboard experience.”

IndiGo’s addition of a technical fuel stop at Ras Al Khaimah for Istanbul flights starting March 1, 2026, allows them to replace leased widebody aircraft with their own Airbus A320neo. This strategic shift enables continued, cost-effective service to Turkey despite losing the Boeing 777 capacity, while supporting Ras Al Khaimah’s growth as a connecting destination.

What are your thoughts on this new development? Let us know in the comments below!

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ByHolly Snow

News Editor - As a second year English Literature student at Edge Hill University, Holly is constantly exploring how language shapes the way we experience the world. That love of stories has led her into journalism - most recently through her new role as a News Editor with Travel Radar.