Air India lobbies to the Government of India to stop Indigo Lease with Turkish Airlines: Report
According to a report by Reuters, Air India has contacted Indian authorities to prevent Indigo’s lease arrangements, raising the concerns about business implications and security issues due to Istanbul’s support for Pakistan’s support.IndiGo has maintained a lease agreement with a state-supported carrier Turkish Airlines since 2023. Under this arrangement, Turkish Airlines completed IndiGo with two aircraft, with pilots, and to operate routes connecting New Delhi and Mumbai with members of the crew.Air India has filed a petition to the Ministry of Civil Aviation to prevent continuous renewal of this lease system, which requires a new approval every six months. According to a source reviewed by Reuters and Air India documents, the airline said that the agreement between Indigo and Turkish Airlines proved Turkey harmful to India’s aviation industry.Also read All trade routes for Pakistan have been closed: India scrutinize imports from UAE, Iran and other Gulf countries to spot Pakistani goodsAccording to the document, the aircraft lease deal “enough increase in seat capacity” for Türkiye, which benefited their tourism sector.After the increasing public resentment in India about the Turkish situation in Pakistan during the India-Pakistan dispute, Indian tourists are canceling their travel plans. The Government of India has withdrawn the security authority for Turkish Ground handling Company, Celebi on Thursday citing national security views.Earlier, IndiGo issued a statement stating that its cooperation with Turkish airlines, including their codesare agreement, gives many advantages to Indian travelers, supports aviation development and employment, while enabled Indigo to establish its presence in European and American longer routes.A formula with direct knowledge confirmed that the current lease extension of Indigo is valid till 31 May, and the airline has submitted an application for further expansion.Also read India -Pakistan ceasefire: How India’s punitive measures will continue to hit Pakistan’s critical economy – explained
