New Delhi: At a time when calls of boycotting Turkish goods and tourism are resonating across India, IndiGo on Thursday said the partnership with Turkish Airlines benefits Indian travellers and the country’s economy.
India’ largest airline company said partnership with the flag carrier of Turkey benefits Indian travellers as they get benefits and it also improves connectivity as well as making international travel more affordable.
Notably, a huge section of the society has been slamming Turkey in the wake of Istanbul backing Pakistan and condemning India’s recent military strikes on terror camps in Pakistan. Some online travel portals and associations have also issued advisories asking people not to visit Turkey.
IndiGo offers direct flights from Delhi to Istanbul. It has taken two leased aircraft from Turkish Airlines with over 500 seats each capacity. The airline highlighted how its codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines enhances the connectivity of Indian hubs like Delhi and Mumbai. A codeshare partnership allows an airline to book its passengers on its partner carrier and there will be a single ticket.
PTI quoted an airline official saying that the ongoing air traffic between India and Turkiy needs to be viewed in the context of the bilateral Air Services Agreement (ASA) and the overall construct of international air services to and from India.
The ASA allows carriers of Turkey and India to operate a total of 56 flights per week between the two countries.
The official said that the arrangement with Turkish Airlines is beneficial for the Indian travellers, and the country’s economy. The arrangement helps people get reasonable flight tickets. The operation of the two aircraft to Istanbul helps in economic activity, which further supports trade worth billions of US dollars between the two countries and also helps create numerous job opportunities in India.
“The codeshare has enabled IndiGo to build its presence in the long-haul markets in Europe and the US, putting in place the foundation for self-sufficiency, ie. its long-haul foray with the 40 A321 XLR and 30 A350 aircraft ordered by the airline,” the official said.
(With inputs from PTI)
IndiGo defends its partnership with Turkish Airlines amidst growing calls for a boycott of Turkish goods and tourism in India. The airline highlights the economic benefits for Indian travelers, increased connectivity, and affordable international travel options. Biz News Business News – Personal Finance News, Share Market News, BSE/NSE News, Stock Exchange News Today
