New Delhi, May 15—IndiGo on Thursday defended its partnership with Turkish Airlines, stating that the collaboration enhances international connectivity for Indian travellers and strengthens the country's economy through trade facilitation and job creation.
The statement comes in the wake of rising calls for boycotting Turkish goods and tourism after Turkiye expressed support for Islamabad and condemned India's recent strikes on terror camps in Pakistan. Several online travel platforms and associations have issued advisories urging citizens to avoid travel to Turkiye.
Enhanced Connectivity and Cost-Effective Travel
IndiGo currently operates direct flights to Istanbul using two wide-body aircraft leased from Turkish Airlines, each with over 500 seats. In addition to these direct flights, the airline offers codeshare services on more than 40 destinations across Europe and the United States.A codeshare agreement allows airlines to sell seats on each other’s flights, offering passengers a seamless travel experience with a single ticket across multiple airlines.
Economic and Strategic Advantages
An airline official emphasized that the current air traffic operations between India and Turkiye align with the bilateral Air Services Agreement (ASA), which permits 56 weekly flights between the two nations. Under this agreement, each side is allowed to operate 14 weekly flights in either direction through their respective carriers."This arrangement with Turkish Airlines provides multiple benefits to Indian travellers and the broader economy," the official said, highlighting how the added capacity has helped keep long-haul international fares in check amid rising global airfare costs post-COVID.
The partnership has also contributed to India's economy by facilitating billions of dollars in trade and generating employment through operational support and ground services.
Boost to IndiGo’s Long-Haul Aspirations
IndiGo has entered long-haul markets in Europe and the US through this codeshare, particularly from India’s smaller cities. These two-stop international routes have made travel more accessible and affordable for Indian passengers."This partnership lays the groundwork for IndiGo’s own long-haul expansion, supported by the airline’s order of 40 A321XLR and 30 A350 aircraft," the official noted.
Surge in Indian Tourists to Turkiye
In 2024, more than 300,000 Indians visited Turkiye, indicating strong travel demand despite current geopolitical tensions. The airline reiterated that the arrangement brings in additional revenue and boosts connectivity through major hubs such as Delhi and Mumbai.IndiGo’s Expanding Reach
With a fleet of over 400 aircraft, IndiGo operates around 2,200 flights daily, connecting more than 90 domestic and over 40 international destinations. It also maintains 10 active codeshare agreements, bolstering its global footprint.Despite the ongoing diplomatic tensions, IndiGo’s partnership with Turkish Airlines remains critical to its international strategy, ensuring affordable, efficient, and widespread global access for Indian travellers.