Over Half of GoAir’s Grounded Fleet Leaves India as Aircraft Swap Continues

India: As GoAir ceased operations amid mounting issues, including engine disputes and financial challenges, the airline's once-large fleet of 54 grounded aircraft began to slowly return to the skies. Following a landmark ruling from the Delhi High Court in April 2024, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was tasked with de-registering the planes and facilitating their transfer to other carriers.

By the end of 2024, over half of the grounded aircraft—28 out of 54—have successfully flown out of India, with some already taken into service by global airlines such as Air Arabia and Fly Jinnah. This movement follows months of legal battles over possession, as GoAir had stopped paying its lease rentals on the aircraft it had procured.

Of the planes that left, a majority were A320neo models, with a few A320ceo aircraft now serving in new destinations. As of December 31, 2024, key airports like Bengaluru, Delhi, Kannur, and Hyderabad saw the departure of numerous planes. The high demand at Delhi Airport was relieved with the exit of 11 GoAir aircraft, contributing to reduced congestion at the busiest airport in India.

Aircraft maintenance, both from Air India Engineering Services and private MROs, played a key role in ensuring these planes were airworthy before their departure. The once-deteriorated condition of these grounded jets is now a thing of the past, as they continue their journey with global carriers.