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Key Points

The Indian government is moving to terminate its commercial agreement with Turkish Airlines, citing diplomatic tensions after Turkey's support for Pakistan. This decision impacts IndiGo's international route operations and follows broader actions like revoking security clearances for Turkish businesses. The move comes in response to Turkey's stance during recent regional conflicts, significantly affecting bilateral commercial relationships. Indian tourists and academic institutions are also distancing themselves from Turkish connections as part of this geopolitical shift.

Key Points: India Cuts IndiGo Turkish Airlines Deal Over Pakistan Support

  • India cancels strategic airline partnership over Turkey's Pakistan stance
  • Diplomatic tensions trigger commercial airline agreement termination
  • Ground handling and airport lounge deals also impacted
  • Widespread cancellation of Turkish travel by Indians
3 min read

Govt unlikely to renew IndiGo pact with Turkish Airlines

India likely to end IndiGo-Turkish Airlines pact amid diplomatic tensions following Pahalgam attack and geopolitical strain

"The current pact... expires on May 31 and is unlikely to be renewed - NDTV Profit Report"

New Delhi, May 19

The government is unlikely to extend the commercial airline IndiGo’s leasing agreement with Turkish Airlines due to strained diplomatic relations following Turkey’s open support for Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor launched by India to avenge the killings of 26 tourists.

“The current pact, which enables IndiGo to operate wide-body aircraft on the Delhi-Istanbul route, expires on May 31. The government review is underway and the deal is unlikely to be renewed given the broader diplomatic context,” according to an NDTV Profit report, citing people in the know.

IndiGo currently operates over 500-seater Airbus A330s on lease from Turkish Airlines for its Istanbul flights. The partnership also includes a codeshare deal that allows IndiGo to sell connections to over 40 destinations in Europe and North America via Istanbul.

On Thursday, IndiGo defended the collaboration, calling it “strategic” and essential for offering Indian flyers long-haul international access.

Apart from the vocal support during the heinous Pahalgam massacre, Turkey has also supplied drones to Pakistan, which were used to attack India during Operation Sindoor.

The issue of renewal of the IndiGo agreement with Turkish Airlines comes up at a time when India is already snapping ties with Turkish businesses and universities.

The government on Thursday revoked the security clearance for Turkish ground-handling firm Celebi Airport Services at Indian airports, due to national security concerns.

The Turkish company handled around 70 per cent of the ground operations at Mumbai airport, including passenger services, load control, flight operations, cargo and postal services, warehouses and bridge operations.

Adani Airport Holdings has also scrapped its agreement with Turkish company DragonPass to provide the latter’s customers access to its airport lounges.

“Our association with DragonPass, which provided access to airport lounges, has been terminated with immediate effect. DragonPass customers will no longer have access to lounges at Adani-managed airports. This change will have no impact on the airport lounge and travel experience for other customers,” the Adani Airport Holdings spokesperson said on Thursday.

Hundreds of Indian tourists have cancelled their trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan as part of the nationalistic backlash against these countries for supporting Pakistan in the conflict with India. Leading online travel booking platforms MakeMyTrip and EaseMyTrip have reported mass cancellations and a sharp drop in Indian tourists wanting to travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Similarly, many Indian universities, including Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia, and Maulana Azad National Urdu University, have suspended academic ties with Turkish institutions.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Strong move by the government! 🇮🇳 We can't keep doing business with countries that openly support terrorism against India. There are plenty of other airlines we can partner with in Europe. Safety and national security should come before profits.
P
Priya M.
While I understand the diplomatic stance, I hope IndiGo has alternative arrangements ready. Many Indians rely on these connections for affordable travel to Europe and North America. Maybe Air India or other carriers can step in?
A
Amit S.
Turkey has been playing both sides for too long - supporting Pakistan while enjoying our tourism and business. Time to show them actions have consequences. But I do worry about the employees of Celebi who might lose jobs in Mumbai airport.
N
Neha T.
The mass cancellations of Turkey trips show how strongly Indians feel about this issue. We vote with our wallets! Though I must say, Istanbul is a beautiful city - it's sad politics has to interfere with travel and cultural exchange.
V
Vikram R.
This is the right approach but we need long-term solutions. India should focus on building its own aviation capabilities instead of depending on foreign partnerships. Make in India should extend to aviation sector too! ✈️
S
Sunita P.
While I support standing up against terrorism, I hope these measures are temporary. Complete isolation rarely works in diplomacy. Maybe after Turkey changes its stance, we can reconsider these business ties.

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