Air India flags Turkish Airlines pact with IndiGo as hurting national interest amid Celebi security row

Turkish Airlines is facing public and official backlash in India over Ankara’s pro-Pakistan stance, and both security and business concerns are weighing on Turkish operations in India.

Tensions have escalated since Thursday when the Indian government revoked the security clearance of Turkish ground-handling firm Celebi, citing national security reasons.

The move comes amid rising Indian outrage over Turkey’s vocal support for Pakistan in the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, with a noticeable uptick in Indian tourists cancelling trips to Turkey.

Since 2023, IndiGo has been operating flights from New Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul using two aircraft leased from state-backed Turkish Airlines. This wet lease includes Turkish pilots and crew, and the deal must be renewed every six months.

Air India has now raised strong objections to the recurring extensions of this arrangement.

In a submission to various government departments, the Tata-owned carrier argued that the partnership disproportionately benefits Turkey while hurting India’s aviation ecosystem.

“The aircraft leasing arrangement had led to a substantial increase in seat capacity to Turkey, boosting that country’s tourism as well,” the document stated.

IndiGo’s deal with Turkish Airlines is part of a broader partnership that includes a codeshare agreement, allowing the Indian airline to tap into international destinations across Europe and the U.S.

The company, in response, defended the alliance, saying it “provides multiple benefits to Indian travellers”, supports aviation growth and employment, and has helped IndiGo establish a footprint in long-haul markets.

However, Air India has cautioned that this partnership is not without cost to India.

It told officials the codeshare setup “provides an extra revenue stream for Turkish Airlines, further enhancing their financial gains,” while simultaneously diverting long-haul traffic away from Indian carriers.

The Indian aviation policy permits wet lease approvals for up to six months in case of “emergent” or “unforeseen” requirements, with an option for renewal.

The current lease between IndiGo and Turkish Airlines expires on May 31, and IndiGo has already applied for another extension, a second source familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Delivery delays caused by supply chain disruptions at major aircraft manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing have impacted IndiGo, Air India, and other global carriers, adding urgency to the need for short-term aircraft leases.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed on X that the government had acted on public appeals to ban Celebi. “Recognising the seriousness of the issue and the call to protect national interests, we have taken cognizance of these requests,” he wrote.