IndiGo will terminate its leasing agreement with Turkish Airlines by August 31, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said on Friday, amid rising concerns over Turkey’s recent political stance backing Pakistan. The decision comes after the airline was granted a final three-month extension to avoid disruption in passenger services.

Currently, IndiGo operates two Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on a damp lease from Turkish Airlines, which it uses for direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul. A damp lease is a type of aircraft leasing where the airline rents a plane along with the cockpit crew from another airline, but uses its own cabin crew.

IndiGo's leasing agreement with Turkish Airlines was originally due to expire on May 31. IndiGo had requested a six-month extension, but this was turned down by the regulator.

In a statement, the aviation regulator said the three-month extension was “one-time, last and final” and was given “based on the undertaking from the airline that they will terminate the damp lease... and shall not seek any further extension.”

The move follows Turkey's public support for Pakistan and its condemnation of India's air strikes on terror camps earlier this month, straining diplomatic ties. The backlash has also included the aviation security watchdog BCAS revoking the security clearance for Turkish firm Celebi Airport Services in the interest of national security.

Travel associations and online portals have since issued advisories against visiting Turkey.

While IndiGo has defended its partnership with Turkish Airlines in the past, highlighting its benefits for Indian travellers and contributions to aviation jobs and connectivity, CEO Pieter Elbers said on Friday, “We are compliant today and we will continue to comply with any government regulations.”

Last week, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said the ministry was reviewing inputs from IndiGo and security agencies before making a final decision on the matter.

Source: India Today