NEW DELHI, May 30— In a strong signal following Turkey’s support for Pakistan during and after India’s Operation Sindoor, the Centre has directed IndiGo to terminate its lease agreement with Turkish Airlines within three months. The low-cost carrier, which operates two Boeing 777 aircraft on a damp lease from Turkish Airlines, had sought a six-month extension for the arrangement—only to be denied by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
“To avoid passenger inconvenience due to immediate flight disruption,” the ministry said in a statement, “IndiGo has been granted a one-time, last and final extension of three months, up to August 31, 2025. The airline has given an undertaking that it will terminate the damp lease within this period and will not seek further extension.”
The government’s action comes shortly after it revoked the security clearance of Celebi Aviation, a Turkey-linked ground handling firm that operated at nine major Indian airports, including Delhi. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol had justified the move on national security grounds, saying, “Turkey had openly supported Pakistan. In view of the current situation, this has become an issue of national security.”
Turkey drew sharp criticism from New Delhi for voicing support for Islamabad during Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory strike against terror infrastructure in Pakistan following a brutal attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians. Turkish drones were reportedly used by Pakistan during its counter-offensive, prompting India’s air defence to intercept and neutralize multiple incoming threats.
While IndiGo had hoped for a longer extension, citing the need to ensure service continuity, the government’s stance remained firm. IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers told NDTV last week that the airline would remain compliant with all regulatory requirements: “Our viewpoint is we operate within the guidance of service agreements and are compliant with the government’s regulations. If they change, we will adjust accordingly.”
Elbers also underscored that the Turkish lease represents a minuscule portion of the airline’s fleet: “Out of over 400 aircraft, only two are on lease from Turkish Airlines. If there is any pressure we feel, it is the need to fulfill the obligations to our customers who have trusted us with their travel plans.”
Celebi Aviation has challenged the security clearance revocation in court, with the Delhi High Court remarking, “The rule is better safe than sorry,” when asked to comment on the Centre’s national security rationale.
Turkey’s foreign ministry had earlier condemned what it called India’s “provocative steps” during Operation Sindoor and reaffirmed support for Pakistan. That support included strategic coordination, reportedly extending to drone deployment and public diplomatic backing.
The Centre’s latest actions mark a broader recalibration of India’s economic and security posture toward Turkish entities operating within the country.
