Adani Airport Holdings has terminated its ground handling agreements with Turkish firm Çelebi at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA). The decision follows the Indian government's revocation of Çelebi's security clearance, citing national security concerns. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), under the Union Civil Aviation Ministry, issued the formal notification revoking Çelebi Airport Services India Ltd’s security clearance on May 15, 2025.
The airports have directed Çelebi to immediately hand over all ground handling facilities to ensure uninterrupted operations. Spokespersons for the Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports stated that the termination of the ground handling concession agreements was a direct consequence of the government's decision.
Çelebi has a significant presence in India, providing ground handling services at nine airports, including Delhi, Cochin, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Goa. The company also operates cargo services through Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India. Çelebi is responsible for various high-security tasks, including airside operations, baggage handling, and terminal operations for several international airlines. Services provided by Çelebi include ramp services, passenger and crew transportation, aircraft towing, cleaning, and providing heating/cooling, lavatory, and water services. They also handle load control, flight operations, passenger handling (check-in, gate activities, ticket sales), and representation, administration, and supervision services.
The decision to revoke Çelebi's security clearance comes amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan. Turkey has faced growing criticism within India for expressing support for Pakistan.
The Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports have assured that the transition will be seamless. All existing employees of Çelebi at CSMIA and SVPIA will be transferred to the new ground handling agencies on their existing terms and conditions of employment. The airports emphasized their commitment to upholding the highest standards of service and national interest, ensuring that ground handling operations remain unaffected.
Çelebi Aviation India has refuted allegations of political affiliation, insisting it is globally owned. The company stated that it is 65% owned by international institutional investors from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Western Europe. They also stated that their employees are deputed for operations at the airport after due police verification and thorough background checks.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has stated that arrangements have been made at all affected airports to ensure seamless handling of passengers and cargo. The Ministry is committed to ensuring that passenger convenience, cargo operations, and service continuity remain unaffected and is personally monitoring the situation. Airports are trying to bring on board other existing handlers.
