India-Pakistan tension: BCAS revokes security clearance of Turkey-based Celebi airport services over national security
PTC Web Desk: Amid India-Pakistan tension, the Government of India has revoked the security clearance of Turkey-based Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd with immediate effect, citing national security concerns. The decision, issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), will directly affect ground handling operations at nine major Indian airports — Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Goa, Cochin, and Kannur.
Celebi, the Indian arm of Turkey's Celebi Aviation, has been a key player in airport ground handling services, offering both passenger and cargo terminal operations. The revocation is expected to disrupt operations at several airports, especially Delhi’s IGI Airport (IGIA) and Mumbai Airport, where Celebi handled a significant share of ground operations.
According to reliable sources, Turkey supplied armed drones and trained operators to Pakistan during a recent military confrontation with India. This included an attempt to overwhelm India's air defence systems following airstrikes by India on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor on May 7. Turkey's involvement went beyond mere supply of military equipment, as it reportedly provided personnel to operate the drones, aligning itself with Pakistan in direct opposition to India.
Amid this backdrop, attention turned to Celebi Aviation, a Turkish joint-venture entity performing ground handling, cargo, and airside operations at nine major airports across India. These tasks are designated as high-security due to their sensitive nature. Celebi's staff access airside zones — restricted areas where they directly interact with aircraft and manage cargo and passenger baggage, including for international flights.
Celebi entered the Indian aviation sector in 2008 through a joint venture at Mumbai International Airport, and soon after registered its Indian operations under two entities: Celebi Airport Services India (for ground handling) and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India (for cargo operations).
Celebi provided a comprehensive range of services, including: Passenger services, load control and flight operations, ramp services, general aviation services, cargo and postal handling, warehouse management, bridge operations, security risks and background verification.
Notably, despite India having extended humanitarian assistance to Turkey during the 2023 earthquake under Operation Dost, Turkey's recent actions have led to diplomatic unease.
- PTC NEWS
