Security concerns rise as Turkey's Celibi Aviation handling high-security tasks at eight key Indian airports
PTC Web Desk: Recent revelations regarding Turkey's military support to Pakistan have sparked serious security concerns in India, particularly in relation to Turkish joint-venture company Celebi Aviation, which operates in high-security zones at major Indian airports.
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 has 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). Today, Celebi operates at the following airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Goa, Cochin, and Kannur. The company handles more than 58,000 flights and 540,000 tonne of cargo annually, supported by a workforce of over 7,800 employees.
Celebi provides 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.
Though Celebi is registered in India and its employees undergo background checks and are issued Airport Entry Passes (AEPs) by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), concerns have been raised due to the company’s Turkish origin and the sensitive nature of the roles its personnel perform.
Turkey's increasing military alignment with Pakistan, especially on matters related to Kashmir, coupled with its broader Islamic geopolitical posture under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, further complicates the matter. 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.
Celebi Aviation, founded in 1958 as Turkey’s first private ground-handling company, now operates in over 70 airports across six countries. In India, its clients include major airlines such as IndiGo and Air India, and the company is seeking to expand its international clientele with carriers like Lion Air, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, and American Airlines.
Given the security-sensitive responsibilities and Turkey’s emerging role in South Asian military dynamics, Celebi’s operations in India are now under increased scrutiny.
- With inputs from agencies
