IndiGo Adds RAK Stop on Istanbul Route
IndiGo Airlines is modifying its Istanbul operations as it prepares for additional Airbus A321-200XLR deliveries and the phased return of two wet-leased Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
The carrier has secured regulatory approval to operate flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul with a technical stop at Ras Al Khaimah International starting February 28, 2026. The adjustment ensures continuity of service after the damp-lease agreements for two Boeing 777-300ERs from Turkish Airlines expire at the end of March 2026 due to regulatory constraints.
Under the interim plan, IndiGo will operate a one-stop Airbus A320 service on the route until its second A321-200XLR is delivered, expected by late March 2026. The extended-range XLR variant is central to IndiGo’s strategy of expanding deeper into long-haul international markets using fuel-efficient narrowbody aircraft.
In parallel, IndiGo has launched a large-scale hiring campaign to recruit more than 1,000 pilots following severe operational disruptions in December 2025. During one week that month, the airline cancelled over 5,000 flights due to crew shortages, prompting scrutiny from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The regulator found that pilot recruitment had not kept pace with fleet growth. At the time of review, IndiGo required 2,422 captains to sustain its operations but had only 2,357 available. The DGCA also observed that the airline’s scheduling practices maximised crew utilisation, leading to frequent reassignments and extended duty periods.
To strengthen operational resilience, IndiGo has increased its network planning buffer from near zero in December to 3% and raised standby crew availability to at least 15%. The airline is upgrading 20 to 25 first officers to captain each month and continues to induct roughly four aircraft monthly.
IndiGo operates a 424-strong in-house fleet, including A320, A321, and ATR72 aircraft, in addition to several wet-leased Boeing and Airbus jets. The route adjustment and pilot recruitment drive form part of broader efforts to stabilise operations while advancing its international expansion strategy.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com