Air India lobbies Indian government to stop IndiGo lease with Turkish Airlines: Report – Times of India

Air India has approached Indian authorities to stop IndiGo‘s leasing arrangement with Turkish Airlines, raising concerns about business implications and security issues due to Istanbul’s backing of Pakistan, according to a Reuters report.IndiGo has maintained a leasing agreement with Turkish Airlines, a state-supported carrier, since 2023. Under this arrangement, Turkish Airlines provides IndiGo with two aircraft, complete with pilots and select crew members, for operations on routes connecting New Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul.Air India has petitioned the Civil Aviation ministry to stop the continuous renewal of this leasing arrangement, which requires a fresh approval every six months. According to a source and an Air India document reviewed by Reuters, the airline has said that the agreement between IndiGo and Turkish Airlines advantages Turkey whilst proving detrimental to India’s aviation industry.Also Read | All trade routes closed for Pakistan: India scrutinising imports from UAE, Iran & other Gulf countries to spot Pakistani goodsThe aircraft leasing deal resulted in “a substantial increase in seat capacity” to Turkey, which benefited their tourism sector, according to the document.Following rising public outrage in India regarding Turkey’s position on Pakistan during the India-Pakistan dispute, Indian tourists have been cancelling their travel plans. The Indian government has withdrawn security authorisation for Turkish ground handling company, Celebi, on Thursday, citing national security considerations.Earlier, IndiGo issued a statement highlighting that its collaboration with Turkish Airlines, including their codeshare agreement, offers numerous advantages to Indian passengers, supports aviation development and employment, whilst enabling IndiGo to establish its presence in European and American long-haul routes.A source with direct knowledge confirmed that IndiGo’s current lease extension remains valid until May 31, and the airline has submitted an application for further extension.Also Read | India-Pakistan ceasefire: How India’s punitive measures will continue to hit Pakistan’s fragile economy – explained