The Government of India has revoked the security clearance of Celebi Ground Handling India Private Limited, a Turkish firm operating at nine major airports across the country. The decision comes in the wake of Turkey’s public support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, a stance that has sparked strong criticism in India, including widespread cancellations of tourist travel to Turkey.
In an order issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the government stated that Celebi’s security clearance was being withdrawn “with immediate effect in the interest of national security.”
“In the exercise of power conferred upon DG, BCAS, the security clearance in r/o Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of National Security,” the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, India’s apex body for aviation security, notification said.
Celebi Aviation operates in India through two entities: Celebi Airport Services India, responsible for ground handling operations, and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India, which manages cargo services at Delhi International Airport.
The company’s ground handling services include several high-security operations, such as ramp services, aircraft load control, flight operations, passenger boarding bridge management, cargo handling, postal services, and warehouse management.
The move is expected to have significant operational implications at the affected airports, although officials have yet to announce alternative arrangements.
The revocation signals a toughening of India’s stance on foreign entities operating in sensitive sectors amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
