Air India (AI, Delhi International) has approached the government of India to step in and terminate the lease and codeshare partnership between IndiGo Airlines (6E, Delhi International) and Turkish Airlines (TK, Istanbul Airport), citing both business concerns and national security issues related to Türkiye's pro-Pakistani foreign policy, Reuters reported citing a letter which has not been made public.
Air India refuted the claims.
"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," the spokesperson told ch-aviation.
The carrier reportedly specifically objected to renewing IndiGo's permit to damp-lease Turkish Airlines' B777-300ERs beyond the end of May 2025. The Indian LCC is currently sourcing two widebodies from the Turkish partner. Such agreements can only be authorised for a maximum of six months at a time in India, and IndiGo must apply for an extension every half a year. The carrier has already submitted a request for an extension of the current permit, which expires on May 31, but the government has not approved it yet.
"This arrangement provides multiple benefits to Indian travellers and the country’s economy. The additional long-haul capacity has enabled availability of seats for Indian passengers at reasonable airfares, coming at a time when long-haul international airfares have increased substantially owing to the impact of Covid," IndiGo said in a statement.
The LCC said that the leases and codeshare with Turkish Airlines allows it to explore long-haul markets, "putting in place the foundation for self-sufficiency - its long-haul foray with the forty A321-200NY(XLR) and thirty A350-900 aircraft ordered by the airline."
Air India and Turkish Airlines did not respond to ch-aviation's requests for comment.
The relationship between India and Türkiye has soured considerably after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a series of statements expressing support for Pakistan after the recent escalation in Kashmir. This led to calls for a boycott of Turkish companies and products in India. On May 15, the Indian Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked the security clearance of Celebi, a Turkish ground handling company operating at nine Turkish airports, including the Delhi International and Mumbai International hubs. The ground handler consequently sued the Indian government over this decision.
Meanwhile, IndiGo Airlines said the ceasefire in Kashmir and the subsequent reopening of airspace in northern India and over Indian-controlled Kashmir allowed it to restart routes to Almaty International and Tashkent International previously suspended due to the conflict.
