IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers has asserted that the airline follows all regulations when it comes to its operation of planes leased from Turkish Airlines, underscoring that the Indian government has the authority to renew these lease contracts.
Speaking on Wednesday at a media conference on IndiGo's fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2024-25 financial results, Elbers said, "It is necessary to note that the operation to Istanbul is being done in light of the Air Service Agreement (ASA) between Turkey and India. IndiGo is in complete adherence to all regulation systems and regulations which exist. We have had thousands of Indian passengers booked primarily beyond Istanbul."
IndiGo operates direct flights from Istanbul at present through two Boeing 777 aircraft leased from Turkish Airlines. The agreement also enables IndiGo to offer codeshare connections to destinations within Europe and the United States through Turkish Airlines.
These lease agreements for the Boeing 777 aircraft are until May 31, with Elbers commenting, "…The decision to renew these leases rests with the Indian government."
The CEO's remarks follow closely after the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked security clearance for Turkish company Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd on May 15 due to concerns over national security.
The move follows increasing diplomatic tensions between India and Turkey, partly due to Turkey having close military and diplomatic ties with Pakistan.
In a different statement, IndiGo reported a record January-March quarter profit after tax of ₹3,067.5 crore, up 62% from ₹1,894.8 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.
The airline said, "With strong demand for air travel and implementation of our strategy, during the quarter and year ended March 2025, IndiGo registered a healthy net profit of Rs 72,584 million. On a foreign exchange-neutral basis, IndiGo registered a net profit of Rs 88,676 million, akin to the previous year's similar strong performance. For the quarter ended March 2025, IndiGo reported a net profit of Rs 30,675 million, the highest ever fourth quarter."
IndiGo also said it will introduce new direct long-haul flights from Mumbai to Manchester and Amsterdam beginning July, signaling the airline's foray into long-haul international operations.
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