DGCA Audit Finds Violations By Turkish Airlines At Indian Airports

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has uncovered multiple safety and compliance violations by Turkish Airlines during recent surprise inspections at major Indian airports, raising concerns over the airline's adherence to international and domestic aviation standards.

The inspections, conducted under international aviation rules, focused on the airline's passenger and cargo flights to check compliance with Indian and global safety standards, the Civil Aviation Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. The inspections took place in Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru between May 29 and June 2.

A significant lapse was identified at Bengaluru airport, where the marshaller — a ground staff responsible for guiding aircraft during taxiing — was found to be untrained and lacking a valid 'competency card' required for the role.

In another serious breach, a technician, instead of a certified aircraft maintenance engineer, handled aircraft arrival checks. This contravenes aviation safety norms, especially as the authorised service provider, Airworks, was not present at the time.

Further lapses were found in Hyderabad and Bengaluru, where Turkish Airlines' ground handling agent, Globe Ground India, was operating without a formal service-level agreement. Essential ground equipment, including ladders, trolleys, and ground power units, lacked proper accountability and monitoring. The absence of formal handovers from the previous ground handler, Celebi, further compounded the issue.

In another violation, the DGCA inspectors found that cargo containing hazardous goods, specifically explosives, had been transported without obtaining the requisite permissions from the regulator.

These surprise inspections come amid increased scrutiny of Turkish companies following Ankara's support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.

Following these findings, the DGCA said that it has directed Turkish Airlines to promptly address these violations and ensure full compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization Standards.

The authority said it also plans to carry out further inspections to ensure continued oversight and passenger safety.

Amid deteriorating diplomatic relations, Turkish firms operating in India are under increased glare.

In May, the Centre revoked security clearance for Turkish ground handler Celebi. Last week, the DGCA ordered IndiGo to terminate its aircraft lease agreement with Turkish Airlines by August, rejecting the airline’s request for a six-month extension.

Since 2023, Turkish Airlines has leased two Boeing 777 aircraft to IndiGo, with pilots and some crew. These aircraft currently operate on the Delhi-Istanbul and Mumbai-Istanbul routes.