Air India Urges Government To End IndiGo Turkish Airlines Lease Over Security, Business Concerns

Air India has formally lobbied the Indian government to halt the aircraft leasing arrangement between rival IndiGo and Turkish Airlines, citing both economic and national security concerns amid heightened India-Turkey tensions over Turkey's support for Pakistan. The leasing deal, initiated in 2023, allows Turkish Airlines to provide planes, pilots, and crew to IndiGo for flights between New Delhi, Mumbai, and Istanbul, expanding IndiGo's presence in Europe and North America. Air India argues that the arrangement benefits Turkey by increasing seat capacity and boosting Turkish tourism while harming the Indian aviation sector. This move follows growing public backlash in India, including a boycott of Turkey and revocation of security clearance for Turkish ground service firm Celebi, reflecting national security anxieties. IndiGo defends the partnership, stating it provides benefits to Indian travelers, supports aviation growth, and creates jobs. The leasing agreement requires renewal every six months, with the current extension valid until May 31, but Air India is urging officials to disallow further extensions to protect India's aviation interests.