Air India Urges Government: End IndiGo and Turkish Airlines Partnership

Air India has formally appealed to the Indian government to terminate the ongoing wet lease and codeshare agreements between its rival IndiGo and Turkish Airlines. The airline cited economic concerns and national security risks stemming from Turkey’s close diplomatic ties with Pakistan. A key point of contention is the potential extension of IndiGo’s wet lease for two Boeing 777-300ER aircraft from Turkish Airlines beyond May 31, 2025. In India, such permissions must be renewed every six months.
IndiGo, on the other hand, defended the partnership, stating that it enables affordable long-haul travel for Indian passengers and contributes positively to the national economy. The airline also emphasized that the collaboration serves as groundwork for its future independent long-haul operations with its upcoming A350-900 and A321XLR aircraft.