Air India has formally urged the Indian government to discontinue repeated lease extensions between rival airline IndiGo and Turkish Airlines, citing both national security risks and adverse effects on India’s aviation industry. According to a source and internal documentation reviewed by Reuters, the Tata Group-owned carrier submitted a detailed request to India’s Civil Aviation Ministry, highlighting that the lease arrangement boosts Turkish interests at the cost of Indian carriers.
The lease, which requires government approval every six months, has reportedly led to a “substantial increase in seat capacity” between India and Turkey—benefiting Turkish tourism and the aviation economy. Air India contends that continued extensions serve Turkish strategic and financial goals while sidelining Indian players in international markets, particularly in long-haul destinations such as Europe and the United States.
Neither Air India nor IndiGo and Turkish Airlines, nor India’s Civil Aviation Ministry, responded to Reuters’ request for comment. Meanwhile, IndiGo defended the partnership, stating that the codeshare and leasing deal with Turkish Airlines “provides multiple benefits to Indian travellers,” facilitates international market expansion, and supports aviation job creation.
National Security Dimensions Raised Amid Indo-Pak Tensions
Air India’s lobbying effort also brings geopolitical factors into the fold. The airline has emphasized security concerns linked to Turkey’s diplomatic alignment with Pakistan during recent Indo-Pakistani tensions. Following India’s military strikes in Pakistan after a militant attack in Kashmir, Turkey publicly backed Pakistan’s “calm and restrained” response—a stance that Air India cited as problematic in light of the sensitive nature of regional politics.
The debate around Turkish influence recently intensified with India’s junior aviation minister Murlidhar Mohol announcing on social media platform X that ground handling firm Celebi, which has Turkish links, would be stripped of its clearance. “Recognizing the seriousness of the issue and the call to protect national interests, we have taken cognizance of these requests,” Mohol stated.
While Pakistan has denied involvement in the aforementioned attacks, Air India appears to be leveraging the broader diplomatic context to push for regulatory reconsideration of the IndiGo and Turkish Airlines partnership.
Policy Ambiguity and Competitive Disputes in the Skies
Under current Indian aviation policy, lease agreements such as IndiGo’s with Turkish Airlines can be granted for six months under “emergent” or “unforeseen” conditions, with the possibility of extensions. IndiGo’s current lease runs through May 31, and the airline has already applied for a renewal. The arrangement between IndiGo and Turkish Airlines, in place since 2018, has allowed IndiGo to broaden its reach into European and U.S. markets through Turkish Airlines’ network.
However, Air India claims this setup unfairly disadvantages Indian airlines. The documentation submitted by Air India argues that the codeshare generates additional revenue for Turkish Airlines, strengthening its global financial position, while undermining the competitiveness of Indian carriers like Air India, especially on lucrative long-haul routes.
As supply chain issues continue to delay aircraft deliveries for both Boeing and Airbus, Air India’s concerns underscore a larger struggle among Indian airlines to secure international routes amid capacity challenges and strategic partnerships that blur the lines between commercial cooperation and national interest.
