In a major diplomatic transfer after Turkey’s overt assist for Pakistan throughout Operation Sindoor, the Indian authorities has requested funds airline IndiGo to cancel its plane leasing settlement with Turkish Airways. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has prolonged a remaining three-month reprieve to IndiGo, enabling it to maintain two leased Boeing 777 planes in operation until August 31, 2025.
The motion comes on the heels of the Centre’s resolution to withdraw the safety clearance of Turkey-associated floor dealing with agency Celebi Aviation that held presence at 9 worldwide airports throughout India, together with Delhi. Citing nationwide safety, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol stated, “Turkey had brazenly supported Pakistan. In view of the present state of affairs, this has turn out to be a difficulty of nationwide safety.”
Extension of damp lease of two B777-300ER plane by IndiGo Airways from Turkish Airways.
DGCA says, “IndiGo is presently working two B777-300ER plane below damp lease from Turkish Airline, which was permitted upto 31.05.2025. IndiGo requested for an extra extension of… pic.twitter.com/S2HijDq0Bx
— ANI (@ANI) Might 30, 2025
Last Extension For IndiGo-Turkish Pact
IndiGo’s preliminary lease authorisation was efficient till Might 31. The provider had requested a six-month extension to maintain the wide-body planes flying on worldwide long-haul routes. The ministry, nonetheless, turned it down and gave a one-time remaining extension.
“IndiGo has been granted a one-time final and remaining extension of three months as much as 31.08.2025 for these damp-leased plane, based mostly on the endeavor from the airline that they are going to terminate the lease with Turkish Airways inside this extension interval, and shall not search any additional extension,” acknowledged the ministry in a launch.
IndiGo additionally has a codeshare settlement with Turkish Airways. In an interview with NDTV earlier, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers confirmed that the airline is according to Indian rules however is able to regulate if insurance policies change.
“If the federal government had been to alter its algorithm, after all we’ll comply,” Elbers stated. “Our solely strain is making certain service continuity for patrons who’ve positioned their belief in us.”
Turkey’s Position Throughout Operation Sindoor
Turkey had infuriated India after giving agency diplomatic backing to Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror assault that resulted within the deaths of 26 people. Whereas India carried out cross-border retaliation — codenamed Operation Sindoor — Turkish-made drones had been stated to have been utilized by Pakistan to launch a counterattack.
The missiles and drones fired from throughout the border had been largely countered by India’s state-of-the-art air protection methods, together with the S-400 and native missile methods, throughout three days of battle.
Authorized Hurdles For Celebi Aviation
After the ban on Celebi Aviation, the Turkish firm approached a number of excessive courts questioning the choice of the federal government. Whereas listening to one such petition, the Delhi Excessive Courtroom noticed, “The rule is healthier protected than sorry,” in impact supporting the federal government’s cautious strategy.
Since diplomatic strain continues, Centre’s instruction to chop aviation relations with Turkish gamers is being seen as a part of a wider gamut to fight states brazenly supporting hostile exercise towards India.