In a significant diplomatic and commercial move, the Indian government has directed IndiGo Airlines to terminate its aircraft lease agreement with Turkish Airlines within the next three months. The order comes in the wake of Turkey’s support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, India’s counter-terror offensive launched earlier this month in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack.
The directive is the latest in a series of national security decisions, following the revocation of security clearance for Turkey-linked Celebi Aviation, which previously handled critical ground operations at nine major Indian airports, including Delhi’s IGI Airport.
IndiGo Granted Last Extension Till August 31
IndiGo, India’s largest airline, currently operates two damp-leased Boeing 777 aircraft from Turkish Airlines. While the lease was initially valid until May 31, the airline had requested a six-month extension to continue operations. However, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has denied the request, granting instead a final three-month extension that ends on August 31, 2025.
“To avoid passenger inconvenience due to immediate flight disruption, IndiGo has been granted a one-time last and final extension of three months up to 31.08.2025 for these damp-leased aircraft, 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.”
IndiGo CEO Responds to Government’s Directive
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers, quoted by NDTV, acknowledged the government’s decision and reaffirmed the airline’s compliance with Indian aviation regulations.
“If the government were to change its set of rules, of course, we will comply with that,” he said, adding that customer satisfaction remains the airline’s top priority.
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Elbers also pointed out that the Turkish aircraft represent a tiny fraction of IndiGo’s fleet of over 400 aircraft, saying the company remains flexible to adapt to regulatory requirements.
India’s decision follows escalating tensions between New Delhi and Ankara after Turkey openly supported Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, a massive retaliatory military campaign launched by India in response to the terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians.
Turkey not only issued diplomatic statements condemning India’s actions but also provided drone support to Pakistan during the latter’s counter-attacks. Turkish-made drones and surveillance systems were deployed during the cross-border escalation, prompting India to take serious diplomatic and economic countermeasures.
Celebi Aviation Ban a Prelude to IndiGo Directive
Earlier on May 15, the government revoked the security clearance for Celebi Aviation, a Turkish firm operating at major airports in India. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol stated that Turkey’s alignment with Pakistan was “an issue of national security.”
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“The rule is better safe than sorry,” the Delhi High Court remarked while allowing the government’s decision to stand amid legal challenges from Celebi.
This latest move regarding IndiGo is being seen as a clear warning to foreign entities and governments that align against India’s national interests — especially during high-stakes military or security events like Operation Sindoor.
