IndiGo will end its leasing deal with government-backed Turkish Airlines within the next three months, according to India’s aviation regulator. The decision comes after the agreement received a final extension, and IndiGo will now need to explore new options to maintain its operations.
The partnership has faced growing criticism in India, especially after Turkey publicly supported Pakistan during a recent India-Pakistan conflict. The deal has also been challenged by rival airline Air India, which urged the Indian government to cancel it due to concerns over national security and potential harm to business interests, as previously reported by Reuters.
IndiGo to End Aircraft Lease Deal with Turkish Airlines
In an important decision, the Indian government has asked IndiGo to stop using aircraft leased from Turkish Airlines. The airline has been given three months’ time, until August 31, 2025, to end this agreement.
This action was taken shortly after the government cancelled the security clearance of Celebi Aviation, a Turkish company that provides ground handling services at nine major airports in India, including Delhi. The move came amid rising concerns about Turkey’s political support for Pakistan and possible security issues.
IndiGo has been operating two large Boeing 777-300ER aircraft under a damp lease from Turkish Airlines. A “damp lease” means that the aircraft comes with some support from the leasing airline (like maintenance crew), but the flight is operated by IndiGo’s own staff.
Initially, this lease was allowed by India’s aviation authority, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), only until May 31, 2025. After that, IndiGo requested a six-month extension to continue using the aircraft.
The DGCA rejected IndiGo’s request for a further extension. However, to avoid sudden flight cancellations and inconvenience to passengers, the government gave a one-time final extension of three months.
The DGCA also made it clear in an official statement that this is the last extension. IndiGo must completely end the lease deal with Turkish Airlines by August 31, 2025, and cannot ask for any more time.
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India Cancels Security Clearance for Turkish Company
In a strong move citing national security concerns, the Indian government has revoked the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, a Turkish company handling ground services at several Indian airports. The decision was made by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on May 15, shortly after Turkey showed open support for Pakistan following the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22.
What Happened After the Pahalgam Terror Attack?
After the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, Turkey expressed political support for Pakistan. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan publicly stood with Islamabad during the rising tensions between India and Pakistan. This created diplomatic discomfort in India.
Adding to the situation, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Istanbul and met President Erdogan. Following the meeting, Erdogan’s office issued a statement highlighting plans to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan, especially in defence, energy, and transport sectors.
Sharif also posted on X (formerly Twitter), thanking Erdogan for his “resolute support” during the India-Pakistan standoff. He called the meeting an “honor” and referred to Erdogan as his “dear brother.”
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India’s Reaction and Safety Advisories
India’s move to cancel security clearance for Celebi Aviation is seen as a firm response to Turkey’s political stance. Celebi operated at nine major Indian airports, including Delhi, and provided key ground-handling services. With the clearance now revoked, their operations in India will likely be severely impacted.
In the wake of these developments, several online travel platforms and tourism associations have also started issuing advisories urging Indian travelers to avoid visiting Turkey for the time being.
