The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed Turkish Airlines to ensure full compliance with international and national aviation safety regulations after a series of inspections revealed multiple lapses in operations across Indian airports.
Between May 29 and June 2, the DGCA conducted Safety Oversight and Ramp (SOFA/RAMP) inspections of Turkish Airlines’ passenger and cargo flights at Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru. The inspections were conducted under Article 16 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation to assess adherence to ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices as well as DGCA norms.
At Bengaluru airport, the DGCA found that the marshaller responsible for ground operations did not hold proper authorization or a valid competency card. This shortfall raises concerns about the safety of aircraft movements on the ground.
Further, the inspection revealed that during aircraft arrivals, an authorized Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) was not always present, with technicians performing arrival procedures in their stead. M/s Airworks, the authorised engineering service provider for Turkish Airlines, must ensure strict compliance with maintenance protocols.
Cargo handling processes also came under scrutiny. The DGCA noted that dangerous goods, including explosives, were transported without the mandatory permissions required for carriage in Indian airspace. These permissions were neither attached nor mentioned in the relevant Dangerous Goods Declaration.
Ground handling arrangements were found wanting as well. Turkish Airlines was operating without a formal Service Level Agreement (SLA) with its ground handling agent at Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Essential equipment such as ladders, trolleys, and Ground Power Units (GPUs) lacked proper accountability and monitoring. Moreover, Globe Ground India was providing ground services without a formal handover from the previous contractor, Celebi, raising questions over operational oversight.
The DGCA has directed Turkish Airlines to promptly address these deficiencies and comply fully with ICAO standards and DGCA regulations.