India Bars Turkish Firm Çelebi from Airports Amid Security Concerns After Operation Sindoor
(File photo: PTI)
In a significant development reflecting India’s sharpened national security posture, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has revoked the security clearance of Turkish firm Çelebi’s Indian arm, halting its operations at nine major airports across the country, including Delhi and Mumbai. The move, announced on Thursday, follows heightened scrutiny of foreign entities operating in sensitive sectors after the recent military escalation between India and Pakistan.
What Happened: Government Withdraws Çelebi’s Security Clearance
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), India’s top aviation security authority, issued a formal directive revoking Çelebi Airport Services’ clearance with immediate effect. This effectively ends the company’s ground handling operations at several Indian airports, which include Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu confirmed the decision, stating that national security remains the top priority. "Necessary actions are being taken to ensure that there is no disruption in airport services. Special teams are being deployed to monitor real-time operations," Naidu said.
The Timing: A Fallout of Operation Sindoor
The government’s action against Çelebi comes just days after the conclusion of a high-stakes military conflict between India and Pakistan. India had launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 tourists lost their lives in an assault attributed to Pakistani-backed groups.
Following the military offensive, intelligence reports suggested that Turkey, along with China and Azerbaijan, had extended logistical and possibly military support to Pakistan during the conflict. This revelation has intensified scrutiny on Turkish interests in India, particularly in strategic sectors such as aviation and infrastructure.
Ankara’s open support for Islamabad during the India-Pakistan conflict, including alleged arms transfers to Pakistan, raised serious concerns within New Delhi’s security establishment.
Who Is Çelebi?
Çelebi Aviation is a Turkish-origin global ground handling and airport services company. In India, it operates through its local subsidiary Çelebi Airport Services India, providing essential services such as passenger and cargo handling, aircraft cleaning, and ramp operations at several major international airports.
According to its official website, Çelebi provides ground services at:
- Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
- Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
- Mopa International Airport, Goa
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad
- Cochin International Airport
- Chennai International Airport
- Kannur International Airport
- Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
The company's extensive presence made it a key player in India’s ground-handling landscape, especially in high-traffic airports managed by private operators such as GMR and Adani Group.
Çelebi Responds: Denies Allegations, Defends Ownership Structure
In a public statement issued after the government order, Çelebi strongly refuted any allegations of compromising Indian national interests or being influenced by foreign governments.
“Çelebi Aviation India unequivocally denies all allegations circulating on social media regarding the company’s ownership and operations in India,” the statement read. “The company is 65% owned by international institutional investors from countries including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the UAE, and Western Europe.”
Further clarifying its ownership structure, Çelebi revealed that:
- 50% of its parent company, Çelebi Havacılık Holding A.Ş., is owned by Actera Partners II L.P., a Jersey-registered private equity fund.
- 15% is held by Alpha Airport Services BV, a Dutch-registered entity.
Çelebi emphasized its global presence and neutrality, noting that its business operations are guided solely by commercial principles.
What Airports Are Affected?
The BCAS directive has had immediate ramifications. Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) and Bengaluru International Airport Ltd (BIAL) confirmed they had terminated their agreements with Çelebi.
DIAL issued a statement saying:
“In compliance with the BCAS directive, the airport has formally ended its association with Çelebi entities. All employees under Çelebi for cargo and ground handling services at IGI Airport will be transitioned to new employers immediately.”
BIAL and other airport operators are expected to follow suit, transitioning services and staff to alternate ground handling companies.
Impact on Passengers and Airport Operations
While the sudden termination of Çelebi’s operations could have caused operational challenges, officials assured the public that contingencies are in place. The Ministry of Civil Aviation said that additional staff and logistics support have been deployed to prevent any disruptions in passenger services or cargo handling.
Minister Rammohan Naidu reiterated, “We are working to ensure that the transition is smooth. Passenger convenience and cargo efficiency will not be compromised under any circumstances.”
Adani Airports Also Cuts Lounge Services Firm DragonPass
In a separate development, Adani Airport Holdings announced that it has ended its relationship with DragonPass, a firm providing premium lounge access at airports. The move, while unrelated to Çelebi, adds to the broader trend of reassessing foreign partnerships in India’s aviation sector.
“DragonPass customers will no longer have access to airport lounges at Adani-managed airports. This change does not impact other customers' lounge or travel experience,” the company said in a statement.
Turkey's Political Posture: Fueling the Fire?
India’s move to bar Çelebi may also be a geopolitical signal. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has increasingly positioned Turkey as a vocal backer of Pakistan on the international stage, especially on issues concerning Kashmir. In recent public statements, Erdoğan echoed Pakistan’s rhetoric, calling for international attention on the Kashmir issue—an approach that has not gone unnoticed in Indian diplomatic circles.
During the India-Pakistan tensions, Turkey’s political messaging was seen as overtly biased, triggering calls for a #BoycottTurkey campaign across Indian social media platforms.
What Happens Next?
The removal of Çelebi from Indian airports marks a decisive shift in how India is handling foreign firms in sensitive sectors amid evolving geopolitical realities. Authorities are expected to further examine other international firms, particularly those with connections to countries that do not align with India’s strategic interests.
Analysts believe the move is both symbolic and practical—ensuring that no entity with potential foreign influence, particularly from adversarial states, remains embedded in India’s critical infrastructure.
Conclusion: National Interest Takes Center Stage
India’s decision to revoke Çelebi’s security clearance underscores the rising importance of national security in shaping economic and regulatory decisions. While the company maintains it has no political affiliations, the backdrop of Operation Sindoor and the shifting geopolitical landscape forced India to act decisively.
As the aviation industry adjusts to this sudden but strategic decision, the message is clear: India’s economic openness will not come at the cost of its national security.
