Turkish Companies Affected by Conflict Between India and Pakistan: Airport and Airline Relationships Under Scrutiny
By:
Pilotcenter.net
Turkish engagement in the burgeoning Indian aviation market has hit a roadblock due to the recent tensions between India and Pakistan. The stance taken by Turkey during the conflict has raised doubts about the continued operations of Turkish aviation companies in India.
Pilotcenter.net News has learned that Celebi Airport Services India, a local arm of the Turkish company, recently had its security clearance revoked by the Indian government. This move means that Celebi Airport Services India will no longer be able to provide ground services at nine major Indian airports, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore.
In response to the security clearance revocation, Celebi Airport Services India has taken the matter to Delhi’s High Court, claiming that the decision is arbitrary. The company, which is majority owned by local shareholders, asserts its commitment to India despite its Turkish connections.
On another front, reports from Reuters suggest that Air India is pressuring its competitor IndiGo to end its partnership with Turkish Airlines. IndiGo, India’s largest low-cost carrier, has a strong collaboration with Turkish Airlines, with codesharing agreements and the leasing of aircraft for flights to Istanbul.
These developments come in the context of a broader movement in India to sever ties with Turkey in various sectors due to Turkey’s stance during the conflict with Pakistan. This shift in relations is part of a larger strategy aimed at reducing economic, academic, and tourism connections between the two countries. The implications for the aviation industry are significant, as companies navigate the fallout from the geopolitical tensions impacting their operations in India.
