India Warns Turkish Airlines Over Undeclared Explosives, Safety Lapses

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a warning to Turkish Airlines after surprise inspections at four major airports uncovered serious regulatory violations, including the alleged transport of explosives without proper declaration.

Between May 29 and June 2, 2025, DGCA teams conducted safety oversight and ramp inspections (SOFA/RAMP) of Turkish Airlines’ passenger and cargo flights at Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru airports. The inspections revealed multiple safety and procedural lapses, prompting Indian authorities to place the airline under enhanced surveillance.

A key finding was that one Turkish Airlines cargo flight allegedly carried dangerous goods—specifically explosives—without the required DGCA permissions or proper documentation in the dangerous goods declaration. This constitutes a serious breach of international and national aviation safety standards.

Additional violations included unauthorized ground handling operations at Bengaluru, where a marshaller lacked valid credentials, and an aircraft technician performed arrival procedures in the absence of a certified aircraft maintenance engineer (AME). Airworks, the designated engineering service provider for Turkish Airlines, was reportedly not involved as per standard protocol.

The DGCA also flagged the absence of a service-level agreement between Turkish Airlines and its ground handling agent (GHA), along with poor monitoring of critical ground support equipment at Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Globe Ground India, which took over from Celebi, was operating without a formal handover.

The aviation authority stressed its “unwavering commitment to regulatory compliance” and confirmed that Turkish Airlines must address the findings immediately while aligning with ICAO and DGCA standards. Further follow-up inspections are planned.

These developments come amid rising geopolitical tensions. New Delhi is reassessing its ties with Istanbul following Turkey’s support of Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and recent military activity. India has already revoked Celebi’s security clearance, forcing the company to cease operations at nine airports. Additionally, IndiGo has been directed to end its wet lease of two Turkish Airlines Boeing 777s by August 31, 2025, with no further extensions.

Turkish Airlines operates one daily passenger flight between both Istanbul and Delhi, and Istanbul and Mumbai. IndiGo also operates one daily flight between Istanbul and Delhi and one between Istanbul and Mumbai.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com