India Revokes Celebi Aviation’s Security Clearance
On May 15, 2025, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked the security clearance of Çelebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Turkey-based Çelebi Aviation Holding. The move was described as being “in the interest of national security.”
Çelebi, which has operated in India since 2008, played a crucial role in ground handling and cargo operations across nine key Indian airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Goa, Ahmedabad, Cochin, and Kannur. The company handled more than 58,000 flights and 540,000 tonnes of cargo annually and employed approximately 7,800 people across India.
National Security Concerns Prompt Action
The cancellation follows rising security concerns after Turkey’s overt support for Pakistan during recent escalations in the region. Turkey’s provision of drones and military technology to Pakistan, some of which were allegedly used during drone attacks on Indian targets on May 8, raised alarms among Indian security agencies.
Given Çelebi’s access to secure airport zones, questions were raised over potential vulnerabilities. The Civil Aviation Ministry acknowledged these concerns, stating, “We will take a decision in the interest of the nation. This is a security aspect. We are talking to the security agencies also. We will see what decision needs to be taken.”
Çelebi’s Denial of Allegations
Çelebi Airport Services India responded by asserting that it operates as “truly an Indian enterprise” managed by Indian professionals. “It is not a Turkish organisation by any standard,” the company stated.
They further addressed viral social media claims that President Erdoğan’s daughter, Sümeyye Erdoğan Bayraktar, is a part-owner of Çelebi. The company clarified such claims are “factually incorrect,” stating that it is majority-owned by international institutional investors and has no political links or affiliations.
Immediate Fallout and Aviation Impact
Following the security clearance cancellation, major airports under the Adani Group, including Mumbai and Ahmedabad, terminated their contracts with Çelebi. The group also ended its relationship with a Chinese lounge operator as part of a broader security reassessment.
To manage the transition, government authorities have ensured that ground-handling services will continue uninterrupted. There are also efforts underway to absorb Çelebi’s Indian workforce into other airport handling companies.
Industry analysts cautioned about possible disruptions. One expert noted that the move could impact import-export cargo flow in the short term, although contingency plans are already in place.
Broader Repercussions and Public Sentiment
The action against Çelebi is part of a broader national sentiment against Turkey, which has intensified in the wake of Ankara’s support for Islamabad. A “Boycott Turkey” movement is gaining traction across India, with citizens cancelling leisure travel plans, universities suspending academic exchanges, and trade bodies initiating a review of commercial ties with Turkish companies.
India’s firm stance underscores its intention to reevaluate the presence of foreign-linked entities in critical infrastructure sectors, especially where national security risks cannot be ruled out.
