A recent audit by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has exposed a series of serious safety violations by Turkish Airlines, including the unauthorized carriage of dangerous goods in cargo at Bengaluru airport. The findings have sparked major concerns about the airline’s compliance with both Indian and international aviation safety standards, especially as the airline’s Indian operations come under heightened scrutiny.
Explosives Carried Without Permission:
The most alarming revelation from the DGCA’s surprise inspections was the discovery of dangerous goods, including explosives, in the cargo of a Turkish Airlines flight at Bengaluru. According to the DGCA, these materials were transported without the mandatory permissions from Indian authorities and were not properly declared in the cargo manifest. This is a direct breach of both domestic aviation law and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations, which require strict documentation and prior approval for the movement of hazardous materials.
The audit found that the required permissions for carrying explosives to, from, or over India were missing, and the dangerous goods declaration did not mention these items. Such lapses significantly endanger aviation security, passenger safety, and the integrity of international cargo transport. The incident at Bengaluru was not isolated; similar lapses were detected at other major airports, including Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai, during the DGCA’s inspections conducted between May 29 and June 2.
Unqualified Staff and Missing Agreements:
The DGCA audit found a concerning trend of non-compliance in Turkish Airlines’ ground operations in addition to the hazardous cargo violation. The marshaller at Bengaluru who was in charge of directing planes on the tarmac was not properly authorized and did not have a current competency card, which is required for such a crucial safety position. In violation of established aviation safety procedures, a technician conducted arrival checks on one aircraft instead of a qualified Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME).
Further, the audit highlighted the absence of a formal Service Level Agreement (SLA) between Turkish Airlines and its ground handling agent, Globe Ground India, at both Bengaluru and Hyderabad airports. Essential ground equipment, such as ladders, trolleys, and Ground Power Units (GPUs), was not being properly tracked or accounted for, and the lack of a formal handover from the previous ground handler, Celebi, created additional operational risks.
These findings point to a broader disregard for standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements, raising questions about oversight and accountability within Turkish Airlines’ Indian operations.
DGCA’s Response and Ongoing Scrutiny:
Due to these violations, Turkish Airlines has received a severe warning from the DGCA, which instructs the airline to rectify the issues right away and guarantee complete adherence to Indian aviation laws and ICAO standards. In order to maintain strict monitoring of Turkish Airlines’ activities in India, the regulator has also announced measures for follow-up and ongoing inspections.
The audit comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of Turkish companies operating in India, following recent geopolitical tensions and the government’s decision to revoke security clearance for Celebi, a Turkish ground handling firm. The DGCA’s findings have intensified the focus on aviation safety and regulatory compliance, particularly for foreign carriers operating in the country.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has stated that it will keep Turkish Airlines’ Indian operations under close watch, with further inspections planned as necessary to ensure ongoing safety oversight. The airline has not yet issued a public statement in response to the audit findings.
Aviation Safety and International Relations:
The revelations from the DGCA audit have far-reaching implications for aviation safety, regulatory enforcement, and international airline operations in India. The unauthorized carriage of dangerous goods, especially explosives, is a grave violation that could have catastrophic consequences if left unaddressed. The lapses in ground operations and maintenance further highlight the need for strong oversight and strict adherence to safety protocols.
As India steps up its surveillance of foreign airlines, the Turkish Airlines case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of compliance with both national and international aviation standards. The DGCA’s proactive approach in identifying and addressing these violations underscores the regulator’s commitment to passenger safety and operational integrity.
With further inspections on the horizon and diplomatic tensions in the background, the spotlight remains firmly on Turkish Airlines to rectify its practices and restore confidence in its operations within India.
