India The aviation regulator DGCA has found many security and compliance problems in Turkish Airlines. The DGCA has recently done several Inspacks of Turkish Airlines at major Indian airports. Safety and compliance violations have increased concerns about the airline’s adherence to international and domestic aviation standards of the airline. This audit has happened at a time when Turkish companies are being monitored in India after the support of Turkey during the recent land-political struggle.
What are the problems?
DGCA reported that it had conducted security inspections and ramp inspections of passengers and cargo flights of Turkish Airlines in Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore between 29 May and 2 June. Many deficiencies were found in it, such as inspectors at Bengaluru found that a martial who was a ground staff member responsible for directing the aircraft during taxiing, was working without a proper authority or without valid comfort card. Such credentials are mandatory to ensure safe movement of aircraft on land under Indian aviation rules.
These shortcomings were seen in Hyderabad and Bengaluru
The airline’s ground handling agent Globe Ground India in Hyderabad and Bangalore was found working with Turkish Airlines without a formal service level agreement (SLA). The required ground equipment, including stairs, trolleys and ground power units (GPUS), lacked proper accountability and monitoring. Lack of formal handover from Celebor, the previous ground handler, further increased the issue.
Explosive cargo being taken without permission
In another case, DGCA inspectors found that cargo with dangerous materials, including explosives, was being taken from the regulator without necessary permission. DGCA said it has directed Turkish Airlines to immediately address these violations and ensure complete compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
Increasing monitoring of Turkish companies
Monitoring on Turkish companies is increasing with deteriorating relations between the two countries. In May, the government also canceled security approval for Turkish ground handler Celebbi. DGCA last week approved the expansion of the weight lease agreement with Indigo’s Turkish Airlines. In this, the airline allowed two Boeing 777 aircraft from its Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul after promising to end the lease within this extended period.
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