Low-cost carrier IndiGo is compliant with all the regulatory framework and regulations for using aircraft leased from its long-time partner Turkish Airlines, said CEO Pieter Elbers on Wednesday, adding that it is for the government to decide on renewal of leases.
Companies from Turkey operating in India have been at the receiving end of a consumer backlash in the wake of increased tension between India and Pakistan. Last week regulatory body Bureau of Civil Aviation Security revoked the security clearance of Turkish firm Celebi Airport Services, a ground handling company.
Recent reports stated that the Centre is not keen on extending IndiGo’s lease agreement with Turkish Airlines, which allows the Indian carrier to operate on the Mumbai-Delhi-Istanbul route. The agreement is set to expire on May 31.
IndiGo operates two Boeing 777s, leased from Turkish Airlines, running direct flights to Istanbul having over 500 seats each. It also offers codeshare seats to more than 40 points in Europe and the US through its partnership with the Turkish carrier.
“It is important to recognise that the operation to Istanbul is in the context of the air service agreement between India and Turkey. Indigo is fully compliant with the regulatory framework and regulations which are there. We have thousands of customers booked mostly beyond Istanbul,” said Elbers.