In a major move, the Government of India has revoked the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd., a Turkish ground handling company that manages approximately 70 per cent of ground operations at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. These operations include passenger services, cargo handling, load control, warehouse management, and bridge operations.
The decision was announced through an official order issued by the Directorate General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
The order states: “The security clearance in r/o Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of National Security. This issues with the approval of DG, BCAS.”
As per reports, over the past decade, Celebi has expanded its operations to nine major airports across India, including Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Goa, Cochin, and Kannur. According to the company, it manages approximately 58,000 flights and handles around 540,000 tonnes of cargo annually within the country.
On Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd’s security clearance being cancelled, Union MoS Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said, “Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd is a Turkey-based company that gives ground services at many airports in the country. Turkey had openly supported Pakistan. In view of the current situation, this has become an issue of national security. Keeping security in mind, Celebi has been banned in the country.”
India’s diplomatic fallout with Turkey post Operation Sindoor
The revocation comes amid a sharp decline in Indo-Turkish relations following Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s vocal support for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. Erdogan’s stance has sparked a diplomatic backlash in New Delhi, prompting a reevaluation of India’s strategic and foreign policy in the region.
India has responded with a multi-pronged strategy, engaging with Turkey’s regional rivals such as Greece, Armenia, and Cyprus to counterbalance Ankara’s influence. This realignment also reflects growing discomfort with Turkey’s increasing military and political support for Pakistan, including reports of drone supplies during recent escalations.
Bureau of Civil Aviation Security revokes security clearance for Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd with immediate effect in the "interest of national security" pic.twitter.com/A4YGBtUQcc
— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2025
Public anger against Turkey intensified after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which killed 26 people. India responded with Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps, during which Turkey reportedly supported Pakistan’s military build-up. The Indian public and several travel firms have since called for a boycott of Turkish products and travel, further escalating the rift.
Celebi under scrutiny
Celebi, which operates in several Indian airports, has been under government scrutiny due to its Turkish roots and its involvement in sensitive airport operations. With national security concerns mounting, revoking its clearance signals a broader policy shift that prioritises strategic autonomy and domestic security over continued foreign involvement in critical infrastructure.