New Delhi: The Central government on Friday asked IndiGo to end its aircraft lease agreement with Turkish Airlines within three months.
The significant action against Turkish Airlines comes weeks after India revoked security clearance for Turkey-based firm Celebi Aviation, which used to handle ground services at nine major airports in the country, including Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International airport.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) informed through an official statement that IndiGo is currently operating two B777-300ER aircraft under damp lease from Turkish Airlines, which was permitted up to May 31.
IndiGo has been denied request for an extension of the lease for six months.
“However, in order to avoid passenger inconvenience due to immediate flight disruption, Indigo has been granted a one-time last and final extension of three months upto 31.08.2025 for these damp leased aircraft, based on the undertaking from the airline that, they will terminate the damp lease with Turkish Airline within this extension period, and shall not seek any further extension for these operations,” the DGCA statement said.
Turkey invited India’s wrath after openly supporting Pakistan in the conflict between the two neighbouring nations post Operation Sindoor.
On May 15, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, revoked the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd, citing concerns related to national security.
Also Read: Turkey-Based Celebi’s Plea On Revocation Of Licence: ‘Better Safe Than Sorry’, Says High Court
Several online travel portals and industry associations have also issued advisories urging people to avoid travelling to Turkey.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly expressed solidarity with Islamabad. Pakistan targeted several Indian towns and cities by launching hundreds of Turkish drones.