Air India has taken a big step in the midst of rising tensions with Turkey. The Tata Group-owned airline has decided to reduce its dependence on Turkish companies for the repair of its aircraft. The company’s CEO Campbell Wilson said that Air India will now send its Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft to other countries for repair.

Air India has taken this decision in line with the tough stance of the Indian government.

Turkey had openly supported Pakistan during the army’s Operation Sindoor. Since then, there has been a major boycott of their products and services in India. “Aircraft repair is a global business. It takes some time to adapt when the situation changes. But we respect national sentiments. We also consider the expectations of the people. This means that Air India will work according to the needs of the people of India.”

Currently, Turkish Technics repairs some of Air India’s larger aircraft. “In light of the recent developments, we will be changing the destination for our aircraft repairs. We will be sending fewer aircraft to Turkey and more to other countries. Aircraft repairs will take some time. We are reviewing the recent developments and will adjust our plans accordingly,” Wilson said.

Air India has a total of 191 aircraft, 64 of which are large aircraft. Tensions between India and Turkey have been rising since May. Turkey had shown support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Then, on May 15, India’s Bureau of Civil Aviation Safety (BCAS) revoked the security clearance of Turkish company Celebi Airport Services India Private Limited, citing national security reasons. Following this, on May 30, aviation regulator DGCA extended IndiGo’s lease of two Boeing 777 aircraft from Turkish Airlines by a final three months, which ends on August 31.

The Indian government is cautious about its relationship with Turkey. Air India is also supporting the government’s decision. As a result, Air India will now be less dependent on Turkish technology for its aircraft repairs and will use facilities available in other countries.