Air India Urges End to IndiGo–Turkish Airlines Partnership

Air India has reportedly requested the Indian government to terminate the lease and codeshare partnership between IndiGo Airlines and Turkish Airlines, citing both competitive concerns and national security risks due to Turkey’s pro-Pakistani stance. The request, disclosed in a Reuters report referencing a non-public letter, calls for halting the renewal of IndiGo’s damp lease of Turkish Boeing 777-300ERs beyond May 2025.

Air India denied any involvement, stating, “Air India denies the gross misrepresentation and mischievous reporting on a competitor’s business model in certain media outlets. As a responsible corporate, we do not comment on competitors.”

Under Indian aviation regulations, damp lease agreements are limited to six months at a time. IndiGo currently operates two 777-300ERs under such a lease from Turkish Airlines and has applied for an extension beyond the May 31 deadline, which remains pending government approval.

IndiGo defended the partnership, highlighting its benefits to Indian travelers through increased long-haul seat availability and more competitive fares. The low-cost carrier added that the codeshare has laid the groundwork for its future long-haul operations, supported by its orders for 40 A321XLRs and 30 A350-900s.

India–Turkish relations have become strained following Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s pro-Pakistan comments during the Kashmir conflict. On May 15, the Indian Bureau of Civil Aviation Security revoked security clearance for Turkish ground handler Celebi, prompting legal action.

Meanwhile, IndiGo resumed flights to Almaty and Tashkent after improved conditions and airspace reopening in northern India and over Kashmir.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com, Reuters.com