The Indian government has revoked the security clearance for Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, a Turkish ground handling firm operating at several major Indian airports. The decision, effective immediately, was made by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and cites national security concerns.
This action will impact Celebi's ground handling operations at nine key Indian airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Goa, Cochin, and Kannur. Celebi's services include passenger and cargo handling at passenger and cargo terminals. The company's responsibilities encompass a wide array of security-sensitive tasks, including passenger services, load control and flight operations, ramp services, general aviation services, cargo and postal services, warehouse services, and bridge operations. Celebi NAS Airport Services reportedly handles approximately 70% of ground operations at Mumbai Airport.
The revocation of security clearance follows increasing tensions between India and Turkey, stemming from Turkey's perceived support for Pakistan. Recent events, including Turkey's support for Pakistan after "Operation Sindoor," have further strained relations. Operation Sindoor refers to strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) carried out by India on May 7, 2025. There have also been reports of Turkey and Azerbaijan providing military assistance to Pakistan, including armed drones and logistical support.
The decision to revoke Celebi's security clearance reflects a broader trend of calls for boycotts of Turkish products and tourism in India. Social media platforms have seen increased activity urging people not to travel to Turkey, and some travel portals have issued advisories to the same effect. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) is also contemplating ending all trade agreements with Turkey.
With Celebi's security clearance revoked, other ground handling companies, such as AISATS and Bird Group, will need to fill the void. Airport operators will also need to make temporary arrangements to cover Celebi's responsibilities. It is anticipated that other ground handling companies will seek to expand their operations to fill the gap.
Celebi has been operating in India for over 10 years. The company initially entered the Indian market through a joint venture at Mumbai International Airport. Within a year, Celebi was registered in India to provide ground handling services as Çelebi Airport Services India and cargo services as Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India at Delhi International Airport. Over the past decade, the company has expanded to nine stations across India.
The BCAS order, signed by Joint Director (Operations) Sunil Yadav, states that the security clearance was initially granted to Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd on November 21, 2022. However, exercising the powers conferred upon the DG, BCAS, the security clearance is now revoked with immediate effect in the interest of national security.
The Shiv Sena has also demanded the termination of Celebi's contract at Mumbai's international airport. Citing national security concerns related to Turkey's alleged support for Pakistan, Shiv Sena leader Murji Patel led a delegation to Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), calling for an end to its association with Çelebi NAS Airport Services. The Sena has given Mumbai International Airport a 10-day deadline to cancel the contract, warning of protests if no action is taken.
This move marks a significant development in India-Turkey relations and highlights India's increasing scrutiny of foreign companies operating in strategic sectors.
