New Delhi: New Delhi has responded to Turkey’s strong support for Pakistan during the recent tensions between the two neighbours by asking India’s biggest airline, IndiGo, to end its aircraft leasing pact with Turkish Airlines by August 31, 2025. This decision came on the 30th of May, 2025, when the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced a step-up in India to stop bilateral relations between India and commercial relations between India and Ankara, showing the Indian government and the diplomatic relationship between India and Ankara are strained.
Turkey had backed Pakistan over its stand after India carried out Operation Sindoor—a military action in Jammu and Kashmir against Pakistan—in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians in 2025. Indian anger followed Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan publicly supporting Pakistan, including over Kashmir. Drones used by Pakistan and reports of Turkish military support also invoked calls for action.
There are two flights between Turkey and India operated by an India-based airline and a Turkish carrier with an extensive codeshare agreement since the partnership began in 2018 and a wet lease on two Boeing 777 aircraft serviced to operate flights between Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul. To provide some degree of continuity to passengers, the DGCA gave IndiGo a “final” extension of three months till August 31 as opposed to a six-month extension sought by the airline. As per the DGCA’s approval, IndiGo has committed to ending the lease, stating that this is a one-time extension and no further renewals are possible.
Indian businesses are pressured to cut ties with Turkish partners due to public sentiment, supported by social media campaigns such as #BoycottTurkey. IndiGo faced criticism on X for its tie-up, as many users argued that doing so indirectly aids a country whose interests are contradictory to those of India. Many users expressed their intention to boycott and oppose Turkish Airlines, which operates 56 weekly flights to 10 cities in India, connecting passengers to over 350 destinations worldwide.
Additionally, the Indian government has implemented several significant measures. It had last month rescinded the security clearance of Turkish ground-handling firm Celebi at nine Indian airports, citing national security. Cox & Kings and Ixigo have categorically put Turkey on the no-no list, cancelling bookings, while certain Indian homestays have stated they are not taking anybody coming from Turkey.
IndiGo said in a statement that the partnership was beneficial, as it provided Indian travellers with inexpensive tickets as well as coverage of around 40 places in Europe and the U.S. through Istanbul. While we must comply with regulatory authorities, our primary responsibility is to our customers, as stated by CEO Pieter Elbers. But Air India has opposed the lease, claiming that it gives an unfair advantage to Turkey over India and presents security concerns.
The decision reinforces the increasing overlap of international relations and trade as asia re-examines its relations with Turkey. The public and political attention has forced IndiGo to readjust its operations by the August deadline. The wider ramifications for India-Turkey ties are unclear, but New Delhi’s message is unambiguous for now: strategic interests trump bilateral considerations.
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