Çelebi’s Clearance Cancelled Amid National Security Concerns
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) in India has revoked the security clearance. This affects Çelebi Airport Services India, the local arm of Turkish-headquartered Çelebi Aviation Holding. The move, announced on Thursday, was taken on grounds of national security and takes immediate effect.
Backdrop: Rising Tensions Over Turkey’s Support to Pakistan
The decision comes amid growing public calls for a boycott of Turkey. This follows Ankara’s vocal support for Pakistan during the recent India-Pakistan conflict. There was also reported use of Turkish drones by Pakistan. Operation Sindoor and subsequent military developments have heightened scrutiny of Turkish firms operating in India.
Çelebi’s Operations Halted Across Indian Airports
The security clearance revocation effectively halts Çelebi’s operations at nine major airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. Airlines that rely on Çelebi for ground handling must now find alternative providers. Options include AI Airport Services, Air India SATS, and Bird Group.
Delhi International Airport Ltd. (DIAL) has terminated Çelebi’s services at Indira Gandhi International Airport and assured continuity by transitioning affected employees to new vendors.
Ministry: National Security Non-Negotiable
The Ministry of Civil Aviation emphasized that national interest is paramount. The government is working closely with airports. They aim to ensure passenger convenience and cargo services remain unaffected. Efforts are underway to retain Çelebi’s employees within the sector.
Also read: Can a potential boycott by India significantly hurt Turkey’s economy?
Çelebi India Responds: “We’re Not a Turkish Organisation”
In response, Çelebi Airport Services India released a statement. It claimed it is a majority foreign-owned entity. The company is professionally managed and has no political affiliations. The company asserted that it is 65% owned by international investors. Only 35% is owned by Turkish stakeholders. The Turkish stakeholders are specifically the founding Çelebioğlu family, who it says have no political ties.
It also denied viral social media claims. These claims suggested a link to Sümeyye Erdoğan Bayraktar, daughter of Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. They called them “factually incorrect.”
Çelebi’s Footprint in India
Çelebi operates across nine Indian airports, handling around 58,000 flights and 540,000 tonnes of cargo annually. It directly employs over 10,000 Indian workers. It has invested over $220 million in India’s aviation infrastructure through multiple entities, including ÇelebiNAS and Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal.
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