IndiGois poised to bring back most of its grounded aircraft by early next year, expanding its fleet by nearly 80 planes in fiscal year 2026—double its usual annual additions—according to a source familiar with the matter.This substantial capacity boost may help ease the supply shortage that has kept airfares elevated in recent months.Industry analysts suggest the increased availability of seats could lead to softer ticket prices. However, some executives caution that fare reductions may be limited as part of the additional capacity will be deployed on new domestic and international routes rather than increasing frequencies on existing ones, according to an ET report.Currently, IndiGo operates 434 active aircraft. Around 70 planes were grounded starting December 2023 due to a defect in Pratt & Whitney engines caused by powder metal contamination, raising concerns over potential engine component cracks.At the March quarter earnings call, CFO Gaurav Negi reported about 40 aircraft still grounded. With Pratt & Whitney’s supply chain improving and engines remaining operational longer than expected, “it is expected that all aircraft will be out of grounding by the end of this year or early next year,” the insider noted.Approximately 30 of these returning aircraft will re-join IndiGo’s fleet, while about 10 will be returned to lessors upon lease expiration. “Along with new additions, this will provide a significant capacity boost,” the source added.So far this year, IndiGo has added 14 new aircraft and returned 11 to lessors. “The gradual return of grounded aircraft combined with new deliveries is expected to progressively ease capacity constraints,” said an analyst tracking the sector.IndiGo declined to comment on exact fleet expansion figures but referred to its latest capacity guidance.CFO Negi projected capacity growth in FY26 to be in the early double digits compared to FY25, with mid-teens growth expected in the first quarter year-on-year. This increase in seat availability could improve pricing flexibility, potentially making airfares more affordable for travellers.
