India on Thursday revoked the security clearance of Celebi Aviation, a Turkish ground-handling company operating at several major Indian airports. The move was made in the interest of national security, according to a government order dated May 15.
The decision comes amid growing diplomatic tensions between India and Turkey, following Ankara’s vocal support for Pakistan and its criticism of India’s military response under Operation Sindoor, launched after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has withdrawn Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd's security clearance with immediate effect. The company had previously been granted clearance on November 21, 2022, under the Ground Handling Agency category.
According to sources in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, airports currently being serviced by Celebi must now coordinate with alternate ground-handling providers to ensure continuity of operations. Fresh tenders are expected to be issued shortly to select new service providers at the nine major airports where Celebi is active.
Celebi Aviation plays a significant role in high-security operations at key Indian airports, including those in Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. Its responsibilities include ground handling, cargo management, and airside services — all classified as sensitive operations due to their location in secure airport zones.
The security revocation follows a letter from Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, who urged the Chief Airport Officer to terminate Celebi’s operational permissions. Citing Turkey’s alignment with Pakistan, Patel highlighted national security concerns about Turkish government-linked companies operating in India’s critical infrastructure sectors.
Public Backlash Against Turkey
The action against Celebi comes amid a broader wave of public anger in India over Turkey and Azerbaijan's statements in support of Pakistan. Both countries had condemned India’s military strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, conducted as part of Operation Sindoor on May 7.
Reports also suggest that Turkey supported Pakistan with drones and military assistance during the conflict — a move that has drawn sharp criticism in India, especially in light of India’s humanitarian aid to Turkey after its 2023 earthquakes.
In response, calls to boycott Turkish goods and tourism have intensified. Indian travel platforms like EaseMyTrip, MakeMyTrip, and Ixigo have issued advisories discouraging travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Go Homestays, a domestic vacation rental service, has ended its partnership with Turkish Airlines, citing national interest.
Indian traders have also reportedly begun reducing imports of Turkish goods, including apples and marble. Trade analysts caution that these developments could further deteriorate diplomatic and economic relations between New Delhi and Ankara.
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