India's aviation regulator said it found multiple safety and compliance violations by Turkish Airlines during recent inspections at major Indian airports, raising concerns over the carrier's adherence to international and domestic aviation standards.

The audit comes at a time when Turkish companies operating in India are under the scanner following Turkiye's support to Pakistan during the recent India-Pakistan military conflict.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said it had conducted safety oversight and ramp inspections of Turkish Airlines' passenger and cargo flights at Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru between May 29 and June 2.

The regulator said it found multiple deficiencies such as a marshaller-a ground staff member responsible for directing aircraft during taxiing-at Bengaluru Airport operating without proper authorisation or a valid competency card. Such credentials are mandatory under Indian aviation regulations to ensure the safe movement of aircraft on the ground.

In Hyderabad and Bengaluru, the airline's ground handling agent, Globe Ground India, was found to be operating without a formal service level agreement with Turkish Airlines. Essential ground equipment, including ladders, trolleys, and ground power units, lacked proper accountability and monitoring. The absence of formal handovers from the previous ground handler, Celebi, compounded the issue.

In another case, DGCA inspectors found cargo containing hazardous materials, specifically explosives, was transported without the requisite permissions from the regulator.

The DGCA said it has directed Turkish Airlines to address these violations promptly and ensure full compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization standards.

In May, the government had revoked security clearance for Turkish ground handler Celebi,

The DGCA last week approved an extension of IndiGo's wet lease agreement with Turkish Airlines for three months, for operating two Boeing 777 aircraft on Delhi-Istanbul and Mumbai-Istanbul routes, after the airline submitted an undertaking to terminate the lease within this extended period.