Pieter Elbers, CEO,IndiGo, has addressed rising scrutiny over the airline’s agreement with Turkish Airlines, asserting that all operations to Istanbul are in full compliance with the air service agreement between India and Turkey. Elbers dismissed reports that Air India has urged a government review of the partnership, reiterating that the airline follows all regulatory frameworks. His comments came after InterGlobe Aviation, IndiGo’s parent company, reported its financial results for Q4 FY25.
Since 2023, IndiGo has been operating flights between Delhi/Mumbai and Istanbul using two aircraft leased from Turkish Airlines. These aircraft, including pilots and partial crew, are provided by Turkish Airlines under an agreement set to expire on May 31, 2025. Amid deteriorating diplomatic ties with Turkey, there is speculation that the Indian government may not extend this arrangement. The move aligns with broader steps, including revoking the security clearance of Turkish ground handler Celebi at Indian airports.
Despite geopolitical friction, Elbers emphasised that IndiGo is operating transparently and lawfully. “Our Istanbul flights are within the rules,” he stated, indicating no breach in aviation protocols. He chose not to comment on the political dimensions or Air India’s reported stance, maintaining that IndiGo’s focus remains on compliant and efficient international connectivity.
Meanwhile, IndiGo posted a strong financial performance for the January–March 2025 quarter. Net profit surged to INR 3,067.5 crore—up from INR 1,894.8 crore year-on-year—driven by increased domestic travel demand. Operating revenue rose 24% to INR 22,151.9 crore. For FY25, revenue climbed 17% to INR 80,803 crore, although net profit declined 11% to INR 7,258 crore due to rising costs, which totaled INR 76,505 crore, up from INR 63,182 crore in FY24.
