Delhi’s aviation sector is witnessing a significant turbulence as Air India has reportedly approached the Indian government seeking intervention to terminate the existing lease and codeshare agreement between IndiGo Airlines and Turkish Airlines.
The national carrier’s appeal, according to sources familiar with the matter, cites both commercial disadvantages and concerns pertaining to national security, alluding to Türkiye’s foreign policy stance on Pakistan. While Air India has officially refuted these claims as “gross misrepresentation and mischievous reporting,” the development has ignited discussions within the aviation industry and among keen observers of geopolitical undercurrents. The crux of Air India’s reported objection lies in the potential renewal of IndiGo’s permit to damp-lease Boeing 777-300ER aircraft from Turkish Airlines beyond the end of May 2025. IndiGo, currently operating two wide-body aircraft sourced from its Turkish counterpart, relies on these short-term lease agreements, which in India are subject to a maximum duration of six months, necessitating renewal applications every half-year. IndiGo has already submitted a request for an extension of the current permit, which is slated to expire on May 31, but government approval remains pending amidst this unfolding scenario.
IndiGo, in its official statement, has staunchly defended the partnership, highlighting the “multiple benefits to Indian travellers and the country’s economy.” The low-cost carrier emphasised that the additional long-haul capacity facilitated by the leased aircraft has ensured the availability of seats for Indian passengers at competitive airfares, particularly at a time when international long-haul fares have witnessed substantial increases due to the lingering impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, IndiGo articulated that its leases and codeshare arrangement with Turkish Airlines are instrumental in its exploration of long-haul markets, laying the groundwork for its future self-sufficiency with the impending arrival of its ordered Airbus A321-200NY(XLR) and A350-900 aircraft. The backdrop to this aviation dispute is the discernible cooling of relations between India and Türkiye, precipitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s public pronouncements expressing support for Pakistan following recent developments in Kashmir. These statements have triggered calls within India for a boycott of Turkish companies and products. Adding another layer of complexity, on May 15, the Indian Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked the security clearance of Çelebi, a prominent Turkish ground handling company with operations at nine Indian airports, including the key hubs of Delhi and Mumbai. Çelebi has subsequently initiated legal action against the Indian government in response to this decision.
Amidst these geopolitical headwinds, IndiGo Airlines offered a contrasting positive note, announcing the resumption of its routes to Almaty International and Tashkent International, which had been temporarily suspended due to regional tensions. This resumption was made possible by the ceasefire in Kashmir and the subsequent reopening of airspace over northern India and Indian-controlled Kashmir. The unfolding situation underscores the intricate interplay between aviation, international relations, and economic considerations, with the Indian government now tasked with navigating these complex dynamics in its decision regarding the Air India-IndiGo-Turkish Airlines partnership. The outcome will undoubtedly have significant ramifications for the competitive landscape of India’s aviation sector and its connectivity with global markets.
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