DGCA audit finds violations by Turkish Airlines

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

The audit comes amidst scanner on Turkish companies following the country’s support to Pakistan during the recent geopolitical conflict.

DGCA said that it conducted Safety Oversight and Ramp inspections of Turkish Airlines’ passenger and cargo flights at Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru between May 29 and June 2.

It found multiple deficiencies like at Bengaluru Airport, inspectors discovered that a marshaller—a ground staff member responsible for directing aircraft during taxiing—was operating without proper authorization or a valid competency card. Such credentials are mandatory under Indian aviation regulations to ensure the safe movement of aircraft on the ground.

In Hyderabad and Bengaluru, the airline's ground handling agent, Globe Ground India, was found to be operating without a formal Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Turkish Airlines. Essential ground equipment, including ladders, trolleys, and Ground Power Units (GPUs), lacked proper accountability and monitoring. The absence of formal handovers from the previous ground handler, Celebi, further compounded the issue.

In another case, DGCA inspectors found cargo containing hazardous materials, specifically explosives, was transported without the requisite permissions from the regulator.

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

With worsening relations between the two countries, Turkish firms have found themselves under increased glare.

In May, the government has also revoked security clearance for Turkish ground handler Celebi,

DGCA last week approved an extension of IndiGo's wet lease agreement with Turkish Airlines for three months, for operating two Boeing 777 aircraft on its Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul after the airline submitted an undertaking to terminate the lease within this extended period.