In a significant turn of events highlighting increasing geopolitical tensions, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has revoked the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd., a ground handling company with Turkish origins. This immediate decision, announced on Thursday, is rooted in concerns pertaining to national security and is poised to disrupt operations at major Indian airports, including those in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Chennai.
The official communication from BCAS Deputy Director General Sunil Bajpai indicates that the clearance previously granted to Celebi on November 21, 2022, has been rescinded due to security considerations. Celebi plays a critical role in various essential airport functions such as cargo handling, passenger control, ramp services, and aircraft load management, currently overseeing approximately 70% of ground handling at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The company’s operations in high-security zones across several airports have raised serious concerns regarding potential vulnerabilities.
This action emerges amid rising tensions between India and Turkey, particularly attributed to Turkey’s alleged military collaboration with Pakistan. Reports indicate that Turkey has supplied armed drones and logistical capabilities to Pakistan during recent conflicts, including the aftermath of India’s Operation Sindoor, which occurred on May 7, 2025. This operation targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, exacerbating existing concerns over Celebi’s access to sensitive airport areas.
Celebi entered the Indian aviation market via a joint venture and rapidly established itself as a key player in ground handling and cargo operations, managing over 540,000 tonnes of cargo each year. The company had been recognized for its initiatives aimed at reducing noise and air pollution at airports. However, the ongoing geopolitical climate and concerns surrounding its Turkish affiliations have placed the firm under intense scrutiny.
The revocation of Celebi’s security clearance is expected to create short-term disruptions in airport operations. Aviation industry experts predict that swiftly replacing Celebi’s extensive services might lead to increased operational costs, delays, and potentially higher airfares for travelers. This incident has also ignited larger discussions regarding India’s reliance on foreign firms for critical infrastructure services.
Political dynamics have further influenced this decision. Recently, the Shiv Sena issued a 10-day ultimatum to Mumbai airport authorities to end their association with Celebi, citing national security concerns related to Turkey’s support for Pakistan. Public sentiment, fueled by media coverage and political narratives, has strongly called for stricter regulations on foreign entities operating within strategically critical sectors like civil aviation.
As the Indian government navigates the operational challenges posed by this decision, it reflects a broader movement toward bolstering national security by mitigating foreign influence in crucial infrastructure domains. The future may involve initiatives aimed at enhancing domestic capabilities in ground handling and reevaluating foreign partnerships in sensitive service sectors.
