New Delhi: Air India is lobbying with the government not to renew IndiGo’s agreement with Turkish Airlines, according to media reports. Air India raised concerns about business implications that unfairly benefits Turkey, who openly backed Pakistan during the recent Indo-Pak hostilities.
Turkish Airlines has had a leasing agreement with IndiGo since 2023, where it provides IndiGo with 2 aircraft and crew to operate flights to Istanbul from New Delhi and Mumbai. This leasing agreement requires a fresh approval every 6 months, and Air India has alleged this agreement results in a ‘substantial increase in seat capacity’ for Turkish Airlines.
According to a source dealing with the matter, IndiGo’s agreement with Turkish Airlines expires on May 31, and the airline has to file an extension before that.
IndiGo had earlier issued a statement on its collaboration with Turkish Airlines, where it highlighted the numerous advantages to Indian passengers, including aviation development and employment, while allowing IndiGo to expand its presence in Europe and America.
Turkey has emerged as a favourite holiday destination for Indians, with more than 300,000 travelling to Turkey for its Europe-like feel and affordable pricing.
“Air India denies the gross misrepresentation and mischievous reporting on a competitor’s business model in certain media outlets,” Air India said in a statement to IANS.
