While tensions rise after Operation Sindoor and Pakistan’s countermeasures, such as airspace shutdowns, IndiGo is under added focus for its codeshare deal with Turkish Airlines. In an interview with NDTV, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers asserted that the airline is “fully compliant” with Indian regulations and willing to adapt if the government changes rules.
Codeshare Concerns of Indigo and Customer Commitment
Resisting pressure to terminate or suspend its tie-up with Turkish Airlines, particularly after the Centre pulled the security clearance of Turkish ground handler Celebi, IndiGo remains firmly customer-centric. Elbers emphasized the airline’s compliance with laws and adherence to passengers.
“We do have thousands of customers being booked on those flights, either from India to other parts of the world connecting over Istanbul, or from other parts of the world connecting over in Istanbul back to India. And we want to continue to serve those customers,” he said.
Despite political turbulence, Elbers explained that merely two of IndiGo’s over 400 aircraft are leased from Turkish Airlines, diluting the size of the alliance. “If the government were to change its set of rules, of course, we will comply with that. But if (there is) any pressure we feel, it is the need to make sure that we fulfil the obligations we have to all the customers who put their trust in us, who made their booking with us, who have their travel plans with us,” he further said.
Flying Through Airspace Disruptions
Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack led to the shutdown of 32 Indian airports and Pakistan’s closure of its airspace to Indian airlines. IndiGo’s operations were disrupted, but it was able to contain the damage.
Mr. Elbers said, “The airline was flying in 11 of those airports and was forced to cancel 170 of the 2,300 flights it has each day, for eight days.” He stressed that this represented only a “single-digit” proportion of daily operations.
The closure of Pakistan airspace made IndiGo suspend its Almaty and Tashkent routes and added flight times for 19 other routes. “In perspective, these are actually relatively limited numbers for IndiGo,” Elbers said.
Operational Flexibility and Future Planning of Indigo
Elbers underlined the airline’s capacity to adapt. “We always ensure that we seek out what fall-back opportunities or what fall-back positions are there,” he added, suggesting IndiGo’s willingness to switch from Istanbul if need be.
IndiGo is looking at a long-term makeover by 2030, as it plans to be a global aviation powerhouse. Citing rising orders of 500 Airbus A320s and new wide-body A350s, Elbers said, “The aspiration for IndiGo to be a global aviation behemoth by 2030 was defined and further shaped.”
On the high-end side, IndiGo is also augmenting its services. Although flatbeds are on the horizon, but not at present, Elbers indicated Stretch seats will have “a very good seat, not a flat seat,” along with premium Indian cuisine and alcohol. “You have to walk before you can run,” he continued, suggesting more improvements by 2030.
Responding to Hoax Threats
Finally, responding to the wave of bomb threats in late 2024, Elbers confirmed IndiGo’s unshakeable commitment to safety. “I think whoever did this was an irresponsible move. The cooperation with the Indian government and the whole ecosystem to deal with this problem has been very important,” he said.
