The Indian government has signalled a pragmatic shift in its civil aviation policy by approving aircraft leasing agreements with Turkish carriers, just three months after announcing a stance to curtail such ties. The move aims to safeguard the commercial interests of domestic airlines while balancing geopolitical considerations.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has authorised IndiGo to extend a lease agreement for two Boeing 777 aircraft with Turkish Airlines by six months, reflecting a reversal from an earlier directive to terminate the contract by August 31. Similarly, budget airline SpiceJet has received approval to lease five Boeing 737 planes from a Malta-based subsidiary of Turkish carrier Corendon Airlines, wholly owned by the parent Turkish firm. Officials emphasised that these approvals are critical to sustaining operations on international routes affected by the closure of Pakistan’s airspace since April. Without the lease extensions, IndiGo would have faced constraints on flights to Istanbul, given the Airbus 320 and 321 range limitations, while SpiceJet risked suspending routes, potentially raising ticket prices for passengers.
Both agreements include crew and maintenance support from the lessor, ensuring operational continuity. Government sources clarified that India has never officially sought to block business with Turkey, and the approvals reflect a measured approach prioritising commercial and national interests over social media-driven narratives. The episode follows previous turbulence in Indo-Turkish aviation relations, including the revocation of clearance for Turkish ground handling firm Celebi by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) in May. The decision had disrupted operations across nine airports, though employees were reassigned and major airport operators, including Adani Group and GMR, initiated preparations to provide alternative ground-handling services.
Industry analysts welcomed the government’s decision, noting it reinforces the principle that policy interventions should be guided by operational imperatives rather than public sentiment. By supporting domestic carriers, authorities aim to maintain stable air connectivity, protect passenger interests, and uphold competitiveness on international routes. Experts also highlighted the broader implications for aviation diplomacy and commercial strategy. India’s careful approach ensures that while geopolitical sensitivities remain acknowledged, the aviation sector continues to operate efficiently, supporting sustainable and resilient air transport infrastructure.
As the civil aviation landscape evolves, the government’s recalibrated position demonstrates an emphasis on balancing regulatory prudence with strategic commercial imperatives, ensuring that local airlines remain competitive in a challenging operational environment.
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