Air India has urged Indian authorities to block IndiGo’s aircraft leasing partnership with Turkish Airlines, citing potential threats to national security and adverse impact on domestic aviation.
The appeal follows escalating public backlash in India against Turkey, triggered by Ankara’s public support for Pakistan in the India-Pakistan conflict. In response to this sentiment, Indian travellers have reportedly begun cancelling trips to Turkey, the news report said.
The Indian government on Thursday also revoked security clearance for Turkish ground handling firm Celebi, citing national security concerns.
Leasing arrangement under scrutiny
Since 2023, IndiGo has operated two aircraft leased from Turkish Airlines on routes connecting New Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul. These aircraft include pilots and some crew provided by Turkish Airlines under the arrangement.
Air India has asked the Ministry of Civil Aviation not to permit continued extensions of this leasing deal, which is currently renewed on a six-month basis. According to the document submitted to government departments, Air India argues that the agreement disproportionately benefits Turkey and undercuts Indian carriers, the news report said.
The arrangement has led to “a substantial increase in seat capacity” to Turkey, which Air India claims has also boosted the country’s tourism industry.
Air India raises strategic objections
In recent weeks, Air India has also highlighted Turkey’s political support for Pakistan as a national security concern. The airline’s objections reference Turkey’s remarks during a past India-Pakistan standoff, in which Ankara praised Islamabad’s “calm and restrained policies” following an Indian military strike in Pakistan-controlled territory.
“Turkey stands to gain more, while Indian aviation and carriers like Air India lose out,” the document states as mentioned by the news report, arguing that IndiGo’s partnership supports Turkish interests, including financially.
Celebi ban reflects growing political pressure
Union minister of state for civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed the government’s move to ban Celebi on Thursday, writing on X: “We have received requests from across India to ban Celebi… Recognising the seriousness of the issue and the call to protect national interests, we have taken cognizance of these requests.”
IndiGo defends its partnership
IndiGo, however, has defended its alliance with Turkish Airlines. In a statement, the airline said the codeshare agreement and leasing arrangement deliver “multiple benefits to Indian travellers”, help create jobs, and support aviation growth. The tie-up, IndiGo added, has enabled it “to build its presence in the long-haul markets in Europe and the US”.
The codeshare agreement with Turkish Airlines, which has been active since 2018, gives IndiGo access to several international destinations.
Extension request pending amid delivery delays
The current lease extension for the Turkish aircraft is valid until May 31. The report said that IndiGo has already applied for a further extension. The airline, like Air India and others globally, has faced aircraft delivery delays due to supply chain issues affecting Boeing and Airbus.
Under Indian aviation policy, such leasing deals are allowed for six months in cases of “emergent” or “unforeseen” needs and can be extended with government approval.
