Air India Reassesses Maintenance Strategy Amid Diplomatic Tensions with Turkiye

 Amid heightened geopolitical tensions between India and Turkiye, Air India is recalibrating its aircraft maintenance strategy, particularly concerning its wide-body fleet currently serviced by Turkish Technic. The airline is now exploring alternative Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) partners in other regions, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the United States.

This strategic shift comes against the backdrop of recent diplomatic strains, with Turkiye publicly supporting Pakistan and criticizing India’s counter-terror operations following the Pahalgam terror attack. In a significant regulatory move on May 15, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked the security clearance of Turkish firm Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, citing national security concerns. Subsequently, on May 30, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a final one-time extension to IndiGo for its damp lease of two Boeing 777 aircraft from Turkish Airlines, with a firm directive to terminate the arrangement by August 31.

In an exclusive interview with PTI, Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director of Air India, acknowledged the airline’s sensitivity to national sentiment and emphasized that Air India will continue to align its operations with public expectations and broader strategic interests.

"While aircraft maintenance is part of a global supply chain, we are acutely aware of the changing circumstances and the sentiments they evoke. We will act accordingly, regardless of the country involved," Wilson remarked. He confirmed that some of the airline’s Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft have been undergoing heavy maintenance at Turkish Technic, but noted that this reliance will be reassessed in light of current developments.

“In the short term, we still need to send some aircraft abroad for MRO work, as India continues to build domestic capacity. However, with the evolving situation, we will reduce our dependency on Turkish Technic and shift operations to other capable facilities globally,” Wilson added.

The transition is expected to take time due to operational logistics and existing commitments, but Air India has reiterated its commitment to act in accordance with national interests while maintaining operational integrity and safety standards.