In a decisive action reflecting rising geopolitical tensions, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has revoked the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd., a Turkish-origin ground handling company, with immediate effect. The move, announced on Thursday, is based on national security considerations and is expected to significantly impact operations at key Indian airports including those in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Chennai.
According to the official order issued by BCAS Deputy Director General Sunil Bajpai, the clearance granted to Celebi on November 21, 2022, has been withdrawn in the interest of national security. Celebi handles a range of critical functions such as cargo handling, passenger control, ramp services, and aircraft load management, and currently manages about 70% of ground handling operations at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The company also operates in high-security zones of several other airports, raising concerns over potential vulnerabilities.
The revocation comes in the wake of heightened tensions between India and Turkey, particularly due to Turkey’s reported military collaboration with Pakistan. Reports suggest that Turkey provided armed drones and logistical support to Pakistan during recent hostilities, including alleged retaliation after India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, which targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Given Celebi’s access to sensitive areas of Indian airports, questions about its continued presence grew more urgent.
Celebi entered the Indian aviation sector through a joint venture and quickly became a dominant player in ground handling and cargo operations, managing over 540,000 tonnes of cargo annually. The company has also been lauded for its green initiatives at airports, particularly its efforts to curb noise and air pollution. However, the recent geopolitical context and its Turkish ties have placed it under intense scrutiny.
The decision is likely to create short-term disruptions in airport operations. Aviation industry experts have warned that replacing Celebi’s services on short notice could result in higher operational costs, delays, and possibly increased airfares. This development has also sparked broader discussions about India’s dependency on foreign firms for critical infrastructure services.
Political factors have also influenced the outcome. The Shiv Sena recently issued a 10-day ultimatum to Mumbai airport authorities to terminate their engagement with Celebi, citing national security and Turkey’s support to Pakistan. Public sentiment, amplified by media and political discourse, has echoed the demand for tighter regulation of foreign entities operating in strategically sensitive sectors like civil aviation.
As the Indian government weighs operational challenges against national security imperatives, the move to revoke Celebi’s clearance reflects a broader shift toward safeguarding key infrastructure from foreign influence deemed potentially hostile. The path forward may involve strengthening domestic capacity for ground handling operations and revisiting foreign partnerships in critical service sectors.
