Amid anti-Ankara sentiments, IndiGo defends Turkish tie-up

NEW DELHI: IndiGo has defended its tie-up with Turkish Airlines amid the anti-Turkiye mood in the country after Recep Tayyip Erdogan openly supported Pakistan.Besides, the partnership could face the heat after govt withdrew security clearance to Celebi for offering ground handling services at nine Indian airports.“The India-Turkey air services agreement (ASA or bilaterals) allows carriers of Turkey and India to operate a total of 56 flights per week between India and Turkey. Currently, IndiGo operates direct flights to Istanbul via leased 500 plus seater aircraft and offers codeshare seats to travellers to more than 40 points in Europe and USA supported by its domestic network. This arrangement provides multiple benefits to Indian travellers, and the country’s economy. The additional long-haul capacity has enabled availability of seats for Indian passengers at reasonable airfares, coming at a time when long-haul international airfares have increased substantially owing to the impact of Covid,” IndiGo said.The airline said before it commenced operations, Turkish Airlines was the sole carrier on this route. “The codeshare has enabled IndiGo to build its presence in long haul markets in Europe and USA, putting in place the foundation for self-sufficiency — its long-haul foray with the 40 A321XLR and 30 A350 aircraft ordered by the airline. This arrangement not only enhances the connectivity of Indian hubs like Delhi and Mumbai, but the additional revenue has also led to increased tax contributions to the Indian exchequer, supporting economic growth,” IndiGo said .