**Air India Seeks to Block IndiGo’s Leasing Deal with Turkish Airlines Amid Security Concerns**
Air India has urged Indian officials to intervene and stop IndiGo’s leasing agreement with Turkish Airlines, citing potential business impacts and security issues linked to Turkey’s support for Pakistan. This move comes as public sentiment in India grows increasingly hostile towards Turkey due to its stance in the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict, leading many Indians to cancel their travel plans to Turkey.
In a significant development, the Indian government recently revoked the security clearance for Turkish ground handling service provider Celebi, emphasizing national security concerns. Since 2023, IndiGo has maintained a leasing arrangement with state-owned Turkish Airlines, which has supplied two aircraft along with pilots and crew for flights between New Delhi, Mumbai, and Istanbul.
Air India has formally requested the Civil Aviation Ministry to prevent further extensions of this leasing agreement, which is subject to renewal every six months. The airline argues that the deal is advantageous for Turkey while detrimental to India’s aviation industry. According to a document submitted by Air India to various government departments, the leasing arrangement has resulted in a “substantial increase in seat capacity” to Turkey, thereby enhancing tourism for the country.
IndiGo, on the other hand, defends its partnership with Turkish Airlines, which includes a codeshare agreement, stating that it offers numerous benefits to Indian travelers, stimulates aviation growth, and creates jobs. The airline also claims that this collaboration has helped it establish a foothold in long-haul markets in Europe and the USA.
Indian aviation regulations allow for the approval of such leasing agreements for six months under “emergent” or “unforeseen” circumstances, with the possibility of extensions. The latest extension for IndiGo’s leasing arrangement is valid until May 31, and the airline has already submitted a request for another extension.
In light of recent tensions between India and Pakistan, Air India has raised national security concerns in discussions with officials, particularly following India’s military actions in Pakistan after a militant attack in Kashmir. Turkey’s public support for Pakistan during this crisis has further fueled Air India’s concerns.
In a statement regarding the revocation of Celebi’s clearance, India’s junior aviation minister Murlidhar Mohol acknowledged the widespread calls to ban the company, stating, “Recognizing the seriousness of the issue and the call to protect national interests, we have taken cognizance of these requests.”
IndiGo’s codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines, established in 2018, allows the airline to offer a wide range of international destinations to its customers. As the situation evolves, the implications for both airlines and the broader aviation sector in India remain to be seen.
**FAQ**
**Q: Why is Air India trying to block IndiGo’s leasing deal with Turkish Airlines?**
A: Air India is concerned that the leasing deal benefits Turkey at the expense of India’s aviation sector and has raised security issues related to Turkey’s support for Pakistan amid rising tensions between the two countries.
