Celebi Airport Services India, a Turkish-origin ground handling and cargo operator, has moved the Delhi High Court challenging the revocation of its security clearance by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). The aviation watchdog's action, citing "national security" concerns, has been met with strong opposition from the company, which argues that the decision is arbitrary, lacks specific reasons, and violates principles of natural justice and constitutional rights. The case is expected to be heard in the Delhi High Court next week.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation, through BCAS, withdrew Celebi's security clearance on May 15, 2025. This move came in the wake of escalating diplomatic tensions, reportedly after Türkiye's support for Pakistan during recent events. Celebi, a wholly-owned Indian subsidiary of Turkish parent company Çelebi Aviation Holding, contends that the government's order was issued without any prior notice or opportunity for the company to respond. The company has described the justification as "vague" and "unsubstantiated," further asserting that such actions jeopardize foreign investor confidence and threaten the livelihoods of over 3,800 Indian employees. According to its website, Celebi handles approximately 58,000 flights and 540,000 tonnes of cargo annually in India. The firm operates at nine airports, including those in Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin, Kannur, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa, Ahmedabad, and Chennai.
Celebi has been operating in the Indian aviation sector for over 15 years and employs over 10,000 people. Sources indicate that the company has argued that the revocation of its security clearance will not only jeopardize thousands of jobs but also threaten investor confidence. In its petition to the Delhi High Court, Celebi contends that the revocation of its security clearance violates natural justice and constitutional rights guaranteed under Articles 14 and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution. The company seeks immediate restoration of its operational rights at major Indian airports.
The company has clarified that while it has Turkish ownership, the operational and managerial control of its Indian entity is handled by an India-based team, and that it has maintained a clean track record for over a decade at major airports. Celebi has also issued a statement asserting its full compliance with Indian aviation, national security, and tax regulations, emphasizing its commitment to transparency.
Following the revocation of Celebi's security clearance, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has terminated its contracts with the company. In Mumbai, Indothai, a domestic operator, has been brought in to take over the firm's ground handling services. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol stated that the decision to revoke Celebi's clearance came after requests from across India, citing the need to protect national interests.
