New Delhi: IndiGo will terminate its leasing agreement with state-backed Turkish Airlines within three months after the pact was granted a final extension, India’s aviation regulator said on Friday, a move that will push the carrier to seek alternatives.
The agreement has come under criticism in India after Turkey came out in support for Pakistan during the recent conflict between the two South Asian neighbours. The pact has also been opposed by IndiGo’s rival Air India, which has lobbied the Indian government to end the deal, citing business impact and security concerns, Reuters has previously reported.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said IndiGo gave an undertaking that it will terminate the lease with Turkish Airlines by August 31 and will not seek a further extension. The regulator denied IndiGo’s request for a six month extension that is allowed under rules and approved a smaller period, citing passenger convenience, confirming an earlier Reuters report.
The lease was due to expire on Saturday.
IndiGo was not immediately available for a comment on Friday. It has previously defended the Turkish partnership, saying it offers multiple benefits to Indian travelers and boosts aviation growth and jobs.
(Reporting by Abhijith Ganapavaram in New Delhi and Nandan Mandayam in Bengaluru; Editing by David Holmes and David Evans)
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