Amid rising tensions between India and Turkey, Air India is exploring alternative options for heavy maintenance of its wide-body aircraft, which is currently handled by Turkish Technic.
CEO Campbell Wilson confirmed the development, following Turkiye’s public support for Pakistan and its condemnation of India’s recent strikes on terror camps in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
On May 15, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked the security clearance of Turkish firm Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, citing concerns related to national security.
Subsequently, on May 30, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted IndiGo a one-time, final three-month extension—until August 31, for the damp lease of two Boeing 777 aircraft from Turkish Airlines, with clear instructions to end the arrangement within that period.
In an exclusive interview with the news agency PTI, Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson, when asked about the airline sending some of its wide-body aircraft to Turkish Technic for maintenance, described it as part of a global business and supply chain network.
“It takes time to adapt when circumstances around us change, but we are clearly sensitive to national sentiments and the expectations people have of us. Regardless of the country involved, we will take into account what is expected of us,” he said.
Currently, the heavy maintenance of some of Air India’s wide-body Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft is carried out by Turkey-based Turkish Technic.
In the short term, Wilson explained, the airline must send certain aircraft overseas for MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) work—to locations in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, the US, and, in a few cases, to Turkish Technic—since India does not yet have sufficient capacity for such services.
“With the recent developments, we will reassess where we send our aircraft, reduce the amount sent to Turkiye, and shift maintenance to other locations. However, this transition will take time because aircraft maintenance cannot be rushed. We are aware of the situation and will adjust our plans accordingly,” he added. Air India currently operates a fleet of 191 aircraft, including 64 wide-body planes.
Indigo Terminates Contract
The Indian government has directed IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, to terminate its damp lease agreement with Turkish Airlines for two Boeing 777-300ER aircraft within a three-month period. The directive was issued on May 30, 2025.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation, India’s aviation regulatory authority, clarified the decision. IndiGo, which operates two leased Boeing 777-300ER aircraft from Turkish Airlines under a damp-lease arrangement, had sought a six-month extension to continue the agreement beyond its original expiration date of May 31, 2025. The DGCA, however, rejected the full extension, citing national interests.
“To minimise passenger disruption from immediate flight cancellations, IndiGo has been granted a one-time, final three-month extension until August 31, 2025, for these damp-leased aircraft,” the DGCA stated. “This extension is conditional on IndiGo’s commitment to terminate the damp lease with Turkish Airlines by the stipulated deadline and refrain from seeking further extensions.”
