Celebi, a Turkish aviation services company, is challenging the revocation of its security clearance by the Indian government in the Bombay High Court. This legal action follows a similar move in the Delhi High Court, signaling a determined effort by the company to protect its operations in India.
The core of the dispute lies in the decision by India's civil aviation regulator, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), to revoke the security clearance for Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd on May 15, 2025. The BCAS cited "national security" concerns as the primary reason for this action. This decision has led to the termination of Celebi's ground handling contracts at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, managed by Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL).
Celebi Nas Airport Services India, the subsidiary directly affected, has filed three petitions in the Bombay High Court. The first petition seeks the suspension and annulment of the BCAS's decision, arguing that it was "arbitrary and illegal." The other two petitions are arbitration applications against MIAL, challenging the termination of the Bridge Mounted Equipment Service Agreement and the Ground Handling Services Concession Agreement. Celebi is also seeking interim relief to prevent Mumbai airport from finalizing tenders for a new ground handling agency.
The timing of the security clearance revocation is critical. It occurred amidst escalating tensions between India and Turkey, stemming from Turkey's perceived support for Pakistan during the recent India-Pakistan conflict after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025. This context has fueled speculation that the decision was influenced by geopolitical factors.
In the Delhi High Court, where Celebi has filed a similar petition, the government defended its decision by citing "intelligence inputs" suggesting potential risks associated with Celebi's operations. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that revealing the specifics of these inputs could compromise "national interests." He also noted that the BCAS's revocation applies to all of Celebi's associated entities in India.
Celebi's legal team, led by Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, has countered that the company has been operating in India for 17 years, employing over 10,000 Indian nationals. Rohatgi contends that the revocation was carried out without prior notice or a hearing, violating principles of natural justice. He has also emphasized that Celebi is a private entity, independent of the Turkish government.
Celebi Aviation Holding, the parent company, stated in a filing to the Turkish stock exchange that Celebi Nas, in which it holds a 59% stake, initiated the three lawsuits before the Bombay High Court on May 21, 2025.
The outcome of these legal battles will have significant implications. Celebi Aviation Services India manages a substantial volume of operations across major Indian airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, handling approximately 58,000 flights and 5.4 lakh tonnes of cargo annually. A disruption in their operations could impact airport efficiency and the broader aviation sector. The government's stance underscores the importance of national security considerations in aviation operations, while Celebi's challenge highlights the need for transparency and adherence to legal norms in such decisions.
