Air India to Shift Jet Maintenance from Turkish Firm Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson announced on Sunday that the airline plans to relocate the heavy maintenance of its wide-body fleet from Turkish Technic to other global MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) providers. This decision follows recent geopolitical tensions between India and Turkiye.

The Indian government has taken a strong stance against Turkiye after it expressed public support for Pakistan and criticized India’s counter-terrorism strikes in May under ‘Operation Sindoor’. In response, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked the security clearance of Turkish ground-handling company Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd on May 15, citing national security concerns.

Adding to the pressure, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on May 30 gave IndiGo a final three-month extension to operate two Boeing 777 aircraft wet-leased from Turkish Airlines. The airline has been directed to end the lease arrangement by August 31.

Addressing these developments, Wilson emphasized that Air India is attentive to national sentiment and government expectations. “It does take a while to adjust when the circumstances change around us, but we are obviously sensitive to the national sentiment and perhaps the national wishes,” he told PTI. “So, regardless of which country we are talking about, we would clearly take cognisance of what people like us to do and expect us to do.”

Currently, Air India's Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft are serviced at Turkish Technic facilities. However, Wilson confirmed the airline is now actively working to reduce reliance on Turkish partners by shifting maintenance operations to alternative global service providers.