Adani Ends Celebi Partnership at Key Airports in India
Adani Airport Holdings has officially terminated its partnership with Turkish aviation services firm Celebi at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA). The decision comes in the wake of the Indian government revoking Celebi’s security clearance on national security grounds.
Celebi has been instructed to hand over all ground-handling operations to Adani immediately. To ensure service continuity, Adani Airports confirmed that new handling agencies will take over, and all existing Celebi employees will be retained under current terms.
Government Cites National Security Risks
On May 15, 2025, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked Celebi’s clearance citing serious national security concerns. The move was triggered by Turkey’s open support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and reports that Turkey supplied military equipment, including drones, to Pakistan.
Celebi had operated in India since 2008 and was responsible for ground-handling operations at nine major airports. Its Indian operations accounted for nearly 25% of the parent company Celebi Aviation Holding’s global revenue.
Celebi Denies Political Ties, Defends Record
In response to the cancellation, Celebi Aviation India issued a clarification denying any political affiliations or connections to the Turkish government. The company stated that 65% of its shares are held by international institutional investors from countries including Canada, the US, UK, Singapore, and the UAE.
The remaining ownership rests with Actera Partners II L.P., a Jersey-based fund, and Alpha Airport Services BV, a Dutch investment firm. Celebi emphasized that its Indian operations are managed by Indian professionals and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance.
Fallout Across Indian Aviation Sector
Adani’s decision is part of a larger wave of contract terminations involving Celebi across Indian airports. Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Goa airports have also severed ties with the Turkish firm following the revocation of its security clearance.
Adani Airports operates seven major airports in India and reaffirmed its commitment to national security while promising a seamless operational transition. The company highlighted that the integrity of airport services would be maintained, and ground-handling efficiency would not be compromised.
The move represents a major reshuffle in India’s aviation logistics ecosystem, and signals a tightening of scrutiny over foreign players operating in sensitive sectors.
