In a bold action reinforcing its displeasure with Turkey's alignment with Pakistan—a nation accused of harboring terrorists—the government of India has ordered IndiGo to terminate its aircraft lease agreement with Turkish Airlines in three months.
IndiGo has two Boeing 777s which it acquired through a lease from Turkish Airlines. While the lease of the budget airline was until May 31, it had asked for the extension of the lease by six months from the Civil Aviation Ministry.
However, several reports verify that the ministry denied the extension.
Notwithstanding this, the ministry issued a statement stating that, as a measure to avoid disruption of passengers, a temporary extension for a period of three months has been approved until August 31.
The ministry emphasized no additional room for maneuver would be offered.
"IndiGo has been given a one-time last and final extension of three months till 31.08.2025 for these damp-leased aircraft, subject to the commitment of the airline that, they will end the damp lease with Turkish Airlines within this extension period, and shall not request any further extension for these operations," the ministry explained.
IndiGo also has a codeshare alliance with Turkish Airlines.
Earlier on May 15, the Indian government revoked the security clearance of Celebi Aviation, a Turkish ground-handling firm.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, gave the reason behind the move, stating, "Turkey had openly been supporting Pakistan. Considering the current scenario, this has become a national security issue. Keeping security in mind, Celebi has been banned in the country."
After the opening phase of Operation Sindoor, Turkey publicly expressed solidarity with Pakistan. Reports also suggest Turkish drones played an important role with Pakistan in retaliatory attacks after India struck at the main terror camps across the border.
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers recently spoke on the issue, reporting that the airline has complied with all regulations associated with its operations involving Turkish-leased planes, and insisting that the last word on lease renewals lies with Indian authorities.
"It needs to be noted that the operation to Istanbul is being carried out under the Air Service Agreement (ASA) between India and Turkey. IndiGo is in full compliance with all the regulatory systems and regulations which are in place. We have thousands of Indian customers booked primarily beyond Istanbul," Elbers added in a press briefing on the carrier's FY 2024-25 financial results.
"The choice of renewing these leases rests with the Indian government," he further said.
Read also| India's Foodgrain Output Surges 6.6% to Record 354 Million Tonnes in 2024–25
Read also| Indian Hospitality Sector Sees 16.3% Jump in Revenue Per Available Room in Q1
