DELHI- Air India (AI) has formally requested government intervention to cancel a leasing arrangement between rival IndiGo (6E) and Turkish Airlines (TK), citing economic and national security concerns.
The leasing deal supports IndiGo’s operations between New Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and Istanbul (IST), a partnership Air India claims may harm India’s aviation interests.
Tensions have grown following Turkiye’s public support for Pakistan amid diplomatic friction, prompting India’s Civil Aviation Ministry to revoke security clearance for Turkish ground handler Celebi.
These developments have raised wider concerns over foreign airline influence in domestic markets.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalAir India Challenges IndiGo-Turkish Alliance
The partnership between IndiGo and Turkish Airlines began in 2023 under a leasing arrangement in which the Turkish flag carrier provides aircraft, pilots, and some crew.
These aircraft serve long-haul routes connecting India’s major airports—New Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM)—to Istanbul (IST), enabling IndiGo to expand its presence in Europe and North America.
Air India’s concerns focus on two primary areas: national security and economic impact. The airline submitted a formal request to the Civil Aviation Ministry to halt any further renewal of the lease, which must be reviewed every six months.
According to documentation seen by Reuters, the expansion has led to a “substantial increase in seat capacity” on routes to Turkiye, enhancing Turkish tourism and aviation revenues at India’s expense.
The controversy gained momentum after public backlash against Turkiye’s perceived political stance. Following mounting pressure, the Indian government revoked Celebi’s security clearance, signaling a tightening of policy against Turkish entities operating in India.
Air India asserts that allowing foreign airlines, especially those with state backing like Turkish Airlines, to indirectly expand their influence in Indian skies through such leasing deals undermines local carriers. The airline argues that this not only diverts aviation revenue but also exposes India to potential security vulnerabilities, particularly given Turkiye’s diplomatic position on South Asian geopolitical matters.
While IndiGo maintains that the codeshare and leasing arrangement supports aviation sector growth, provides employment, and improves connectivity for Indian travelers, Air India contends these benefits are offset by strategic disadvantages to the country.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has not officially commented on the matter, nor have Turkish Airlines or Air India responded to media queries. However, the revocation of Celebi’s clearance indicates that security concerns are being taken seriously at the policy level.
Industry experts remain divided on the issue. While some support open skies and international collaboration, others echo Air India’s viewpoint that unchecked foreign involvement could threaten domestic carriers and national interests.
Indigo Airlines wet leases a Boeing 777 from Turkish Airlines to fly from Delhi to Istanbul | Image Courtesy of Aviation A2ZIndiGo Turkish Airlines Partnership
The partnership between IndiGo (6E) and Turkish Airlines (TK) enhances connectivity for Indian travelers, offering affordable international travel options to over 40 destinations in Europe and the US via Istanbul Airport (IST).
Despite calls to boycott Turkish tourism due to geopolitical tensions, IndiGo’s codeshare agreement with Turkish Airlines, supported by the bilateral Air Services Agreement, strengthens travel and trade links between Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and Istanbul (IST).
The codeshare agreement between IndiGo (6E) and Turkish Airlines (TK) enables seamless international connectivity, especially through Istanbul Airport (IST), a major global transit hub.
IndiGo currently leases two Turkish Airlines aircraft with 500+ seats each for direct Delhi-Istanbul flights.
The codeshare extends to 40+ destinations in Europe and the US, streamlining bookings under a single ticket.
This partnership functions under the bilateral Air Services Agreement (ASA) between India and Turkiye, which permits a total of 56 weekly flights, 14 each by Indian and Turkish carriers in both directions.
Within this framework, IndiGo leverages Turkish Airlines’ extensive international network to serve Indian travellers with a unified ticketing experience and smooth transfers.
Over 300,000 Indians visited Turkiye in 2024, a number likely enhanced by this connectivity.
With increased seat availability and competitive fares, passengers from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India gain affordable two-stop options to Europe and the US.
Photo: EurospotEconomic Benefits
IndiGo’s use of Turkish widebody aircraft to operate direct services to Istanbul not only serves passenger demand but also stimulates economic activity.
According to airline officials, this has supported trade valued in billions of dollars and created numerous employment opportunities in India’s aviation and allied sectors.
The expanded long-haul capacity comes at a critical time when international fares have risen sharply due to post-pandemic supply constraints.
By partnering with Turkish Airlines, IndiGo has maintained fare stability for Indian passengers and positioned itself for sustainable global operations.
With 40 Airbus A321XLR and 30 Airbus A350 aircraft on order, the codeshare acts as a foundation for IndiGo’s independent entry into long-haul markets, allowing it to build demand and establish routes before launching its own operations.
Photo: Copyright to CLEMENT ALLOING PHOTOGRAPHIE | FlickrFuture Plans
IndiGo’s extensive fleet of over 400 aircraft supports more than 2,200 daily flights, connecting over 90 domestic and 40 international destinations.
The Turkish Airlines partnership is one of 10 codeshare agreements IndiGo maintains, reflecting its strategy to expand global reach without direct long-haul operations yet.
In addition to increasing traffic through major hubs like Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM), the arrangement improves international access for passengers from smaller Indian cities.
This model not only enhances convenience but also generates significant revenue for the airline.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
The post Air India Lobbying Govt to Cancel IndiGo and Turkish Airlines Partnership appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
