IndiGo's Lease Agreement With Turkish Airlines 'Unlikely To Be Renewed' Amid India-Turkey Diplomatic Strains

The central government is reviewing IndiGo’s wide-body aircraft lease agreement with Turkish Airlines amid diplomatic tensions and security concerns with Turkey, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The current lease, enabling IndiGo to operate Boeing 777 flights between Mumbai/Delhi and Istanbul, is due to expire on 31 May and is “unlikely to be renewed”, according to a NDTV Profit report.

The review comes against the backdrop of Turkey’s vocal support for Pakistan during India’s Operation Sindoor, which has prompted New Delhi to curtail commercial ties with Ankara.

Last week, the Ministry of Civil Aviation cancelled the security clearance of Turkish ground-handling firm Celebi, replacing it overnight at key Indian airports with Indian firms IndoThai, AISATS, and Bird Group.

Air India has reportedly urged the government to cancel IndiGo’s lease pact, citing “security risks” and alleging the arrangement disproportionately benefits Turkey while undermining India’s aviation interests. “We have not engaged in any talks that involve a competitor’s business,” Air India clarified.

BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal echoed these concerns in a letter to Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, stating, “Continuing these ties may be perceived as implicit endorsement of a regime that undermines India's interest.”

Under the lease, Turkish Airlines operates the aircraft with its crew and maintains it, while IndiGo manages ticketing and ground operations.

The arrangement allowed IndiGo to compete internationally without owning wide-body aircraft, utilising Turkish aircraft to operate direct long-haul routes and connecting to over 40 destinations via Istanbul.

IndiGo has defended the partnership as a “win-win”, citing increased tax revenues and improved access to affordable travel for Indian consumers. The airline is expected to address the matter during its post-results press conference on 21 May.

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