From Codeshare to Cold Shoulder: Government Likely to Ground IndiGo-Turkish Deal

Government Will Ground Critical International Agreement
The Indian government will not renew IndiGo's leasing arrangement with Turkish Airlines, which is due to lapse on May 31, given the heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Turkey.

This agreement now enables IndiGo to fly wide-body planes on the Delhi-Istanbul route and links Indian travelers to more than 40 points in Europe and North America through Istanbul under a codeshare arrangement.

This action comes on the heels of Turkey's open expression of solidarity with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and India's Operation Sindoor, and media reports of Turkey selling drones to Pakistan.

The security clearance of Turkish ground handler Celebi, which operated at a number of India's key airports, was withdrawn by the Ministry of Civil Aviation recently, marking another indication of a larger distancing from Turkish companies.

Air India pressured the government to cancel IndiGo's lease, citing security threats and contending that the alliance disproportionately favors Turkey and weakens India's aviation industry.

IndiGo has reasoned out the partnership as "strategic," claiming its function of facilitating low-cost long-haul travel and aiding the Indian economy.

The government is likely to hold discussions with IndiGo management and other concerned parties prior to making a final ruling, but an extension of the agreement looks extremely remote in present atmospherics.

Source: NDTV Profit