Mumbai: Former Turkish Airlines chairman Ilker Ayci has declined Air India's MD and CEO offer, weeks after appointment. In a statement, Ayic said his appointment was 'coloured' by the Indian media, citing it as the reason to opt out.

“I have come to the conclusion that it would not be a feasible or an honourable decision to accept the position in the shadow of such a narrative," Ayci said in a statement on Tuesday.

Ayci was seen as close to Turkish president Racep Tayyip Erdogan, a Pakistan ally. He used to be the personal advisor to Erdogan in 1994 and had served as the chairman of Turkish Airlines from 2015 till now.

Former chairman of Turkish Airlines Ilker Ayci named Air India CEO

Ayci said that at a recent meeting with Tata Group chairman Chadrasekaran, he 'regretfully' informed him that he will be declining the position.

"As a business leader who has always prioritized professional credo and more importantly, the happiness and well being of my family above all else, I have come to the conclusion that it would not be a feasible or an honorable decision to accept the position in the shadow of such narrative," he said.