The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) carried out a Safety Oversight and Ramp (SOFA/RAMP) inspection of Turkish Airlines’ passenger and cargo flights at airports in Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru between May 29 and June 2, according to a statement from India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Civil aviation authorities have directed Turkish Airlines to ensure “full compliance” with international and national aviation safety standards, following a safety and ramp inspection of the airline’s operations in several Indian cities.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) carried out a Safety Oversight and Ramp (SOFA/RAMP) inspection of Turkish Airlines’ passenger and cargo flights at airports in Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru between May 29 and June 2, according to a statement from India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The inspection was conducted under Article 16 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation to assess adherence to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices and DGCA regulations.
“Turkish Airlines has been directed to address these findings promptly and ensure full compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices as well as DGCA regulations,” the ministry said.
The inspection revealed several operational lapses. At Bengaluru airport, the marshaller assigned to guide aircraft on the tarmac lacked valid authorisation and a competency card for marshalling duties. Additionally, a technician, rather than a certified maintenance engineer, handled arrival procedures, a responsibility that falls under Airworks, the airline’s authorised engineering service provider.
The inspection also found that cargo classified as dangerous goods did not have the required permissions from DGCA for the transportation of explosives to, from, or over India. These permissions were neither attached nor referenced in the Dangerous Goods Declaration.
Authorities also noted the absence of a Service Level Agreement (SLA) between Turkish Airlines and its Ground Handling Agent. In Hyderabad and Bengaluru, where Globe Ground India provided ground handling services, equipment such as step ladders, trolleys, and ground power units were reportedly lacking accountability and oversight. These services were being provided without a formal handover from the previous handler, Celebi Aviation.
The scrutiny comes amid a series of diplomatic developments between India and Turkiye, including the recent revocation of security clearance for Celebi Aviation and the directive to IndiGo to end its leasing agreement with Turkish Airlines within three months.
