NEW DELHI, May 15 — In a significant move linked to national security concerns, India on Thursday revoked the security clearance of Turkish ground-handling company Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, days after Turkey openly backed Pakistan amid rising tensions with India.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) issued the formal order stating that the company’s clearance had been rescinded with immediate effect.
“In the exercise of power conferred upon DG, BCAS, the security clearance in respect of Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of national security,” read the order signed by BCAS Joint Director Sunila Yadav.
Celebi, which has operated in India for over a decade, provides a range of services including ramp, passenger, and cargo handling, as well as lounge management and bridge operations.
The company operates at major airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kannur, Goa, Ahmedabad, and Chennai. According to its website, Celebi has handled 5.8 lakh tonnes of cargo and employs about 7,800 personnel in India.
The action comes in the wake of growing criticism on social media and political circles over Turkey’s support to Pakistan in the recent conflict with India.
The Indian Armed Forces, during a recent media briefing, revealed that Pakistan had deployed advanced weaponry, including Turkish-made drones, in its attacks against India.
This revelation has led to a surge in public calls to boycott Turkish products and tourism. The government’s move to strip Celebi of its clearance is being seen as part of this broader response.
Just hours before the revocation order was made public, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu hinted at impending action. Speaking to reporters in Jammu, he said: “This is a security aspect and we are talking with the security agencies. It is in our notice. We know what is happening and will take the decision in the interest of the nation.”
The revocation is expected to impact ground-handling operations at several Indian airports, though authorities have not yet clarified how the transition will be managed.
