Air India has asked the Indian government to cancel IndiGo’s leasing deal with Turkish Airlines, citing security concerns and the business impact of Turkey’s support for Pakistan amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, according to Reuters.
Turkey’s position on the India-Pakistan conflict has led to calls for a boycott of Turkish goods and tourism, with many Indians canceling trips to the country. Some travel platforms have also warned against visiting Turkey.
Government action against Turkish services
On Thursday, the Indian government revoked the security clearance for Turkey’s ground handling services firm, Celebi, citing national security concerns.
IndiGo’s leasing arrangement with Turkish Airlines began in 2023, where it leased two planes, including pilots and crew, to operate on routes between New Delhi, Mumbai, and Istanbul.
The deal also includes codeshare agreements for more than 40 destinations across Europe and the U.S., meaning IndiGo can sell tickets on Turkish Airlines flights under the same booking.
Air India’s concerns
Air India has urged the Civil Aviation Ministry to halt the repeated extensions of IndiGo’s leasing deal, which is renewed every six months.
According to Air India, the deal benefits Turkey while hurting India’s aviation industry.
A document from Air India to government departments stated that the leasing arrangement has significantly increased Turkey’s seat capacity and tourism, which, in turn, affects India’s aviation sector.
IndiGo’s response
IndiGo has defended its partnership with Turkish Airlines, saying it brings benefits to both Indian passengers and the country’s economy by improving connectivity and making international travel more affordable.
An IndiGo official explained to PTI that the ongoing air traffic between India and Turkey should be viewed within the context of the Air Services Agreement (ASA) between the two countries, which allows 56 flights per week—28 from India to Turkey and 28 from Turkey to India.
According to the official, the partnership with Turkish Airlines has provided additional capacity on long-haul flights, offering more affordable options for Indian passengers.
