Amid rising concern over Turkiye's support for Pakistan over Indo-Pak tensions, IndiGo is set to terminate its leasing agreement with Turkish Airlines by August 31, aviation watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said on Friday.
The decision came after IndiGo was granted a one-time, last and final extension of three months up to August 31 to avoid disruption in everyday passenger services.
IndiGo had requested a six-month extension as the existing agreement was due to expire on May 31. However, the request was turned down by the regulator.
What Did DGCA Say?
Issuing an official statement, DGCA said, "IndiGo is currently operating two B777-300ER aircraft under damp lease from Turkish Airlines, which was permitted up to 31.05.2025. Indigo requested for a further extension of the same for another six months, which was not agreed to."
The extension has been given "based on the undertaking from the airline that, they will terminate the damp lease with Turkish Airlines within this extension period, and shall not seek any further extension for these operations," the statement further added.
Agreeing to comply with the decision, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said on Friday, 바카라We are compliant today and we will continue to comply with any government regulations바카라, India Today reported.
About IndiGo-Turkish Airlines Damp Lease
According to DGCA, IndiGo currently operates two Boeing 777-300ER aircraft under a damp lease from Turkish Airlines, which is used for direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul.
A damp lease is defined as a type of aircraft leasing where the airline rents a plane along with the cockpit crew from another airline while using its own cabin crew.
BCAS Revokes Security Clearance Of Celebi
Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) earlier revoked the security clearance given to Turkish ground handling company Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd.
The development came against the backdrop of Turkiye backing Islamabad and condemning India's recent strikes on terror camps in Pakistan.
In an order, the Aviation security watchdog said it has revoked the security clearance for Celebi Airport Services India, which is part of Turkiye-based Celebi.
It stated, "In the exercise of power conferred upon DG, BCAS, the security clearance in r/o Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of National Security. This issues with the approval of DG, BCAS."
