IndiGo Aviation Authority Directs Termination of Lease Agreement with Turkish Airlines Due to Turkey's Allegiance with Pakistan During Operation Sindoor
Loosen the Lease: IndiGo Ditches Turkish Airlines over Geopolitical Tensions
cabinet's boot is on the line for India's IndiGo airlines, demanding them to part ways with Turkish Airlines within the next three months. This command comes hot on the heels of the government's revocation of security clearance for the Turkish firm, Celebi Aviation, responsible for handling services at nine significant Indian airports.
Sayonara, Turkish PartnershipIndiGo, who's been leasing two Boeing 777s from Turkish Airlines, had earlier been granted a final reprieve until May 31. However, the company's petition for a six-month extension was denied by the Union Civil Aviation Ministry. In a bid to prevent "passenger inconvenience due to immediate flight disruption," the government extended the agreement until August 31, albeit this will be the last extension granted.
Government's CommuniqueAccording to an official statement by India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), IndiGo has been granted a final three-month extension, which ends on August 31, 2025. The extension is conditioned on IndiGo terminating the lease with Turkish Airlines within this period and not seeking further extensions.
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Celebi Aviation's BanEarlier this month, the government pulled the plug on Celebi Aviation's security clearance. The company then contested the government's decision, with the Delhi High Court remarking, "The rule is better safe than sorry."
Turkey's Chummy Relationship with PakistanIndiGo has previously defended its partnership with Turkish Airlines, stating that the tie-up brought multiple benefits to Indian travelers and boosted aviation growth and jobs. Turkey, however, has openly backed Pakistan during the recent India-Pakistan tensions, which escalated into a days-long military conflict earlier this month. Besides the government's actions against Turkish firms, public sentiment in India has also led to calls for boycotting Turkish goods and services.
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IndiGo was instructed by the Indian government to end its lease agreement with Turkish Airlines due to geopolitical and security concerns linked to Turkey's stance and activities. This command was issued shortly after India revoked security clearance for Celebi Aviation, a Turkish ground-handling company operating at nine major Indian airports. The revocation is part of a broader move by India to express disapproval of Turkey's support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, reflecting strained diplomatic and security relations between India and Turkey. Specifically, IndiGo's lease termination is connected to the revoked security clearance for Celebi Aviation due to concerns related to its Turkish links amid heightened geopolitical tensions, which then impacted commercial ties such as IndiGo's lease agreement with Turkish Airlines. This directive is also evidence of India's tightened security and diplomatic posture towards Turkish entities operating within the country.
- In light of geopolitical tensions, the Indian government has ordered IndiGo Airlines to sever ties with Turkish Airlines within the next three months, following the revocation of security clearance for Turkish firm Celebi Aviation.
- IndiGo, which had been leasing two Boeing 777s from Turkish Airlines, was initially given a reprieve until May 31, but their request for a six-month extension was denied.
- The government extended IndiGo's agreement until August 31 to prevent passenger inconvenience, but this will be the last extension granted.
- Turkey's open support for Pakistan during recent India-Pakistan tensions, including a military conflict, has sparked public sentiment in India leading to calls for boycotting Turkish goods and services.
- This move by the Indian government is part of a broader strategy to express disapproval of Turkey's actions, reflecting strained diplomatic and security relations between the two countries.
