Turkey's Celebi Aviation Cooperating with Indian Authorities Amid Suspension of Operations

Turkish company Çelebi Aviation is cooperating with Indian authorities after its ground handling and cargo warehouse operations were suspended due to national security concerns. The company's security clearance was revoked by India's Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, but Çelebi says it has always complied with regulations and has not received any warnings or penalties related to national security. Institutional investors from Canada, the US, the UK, Singapore, the UAE, and Western Europe own 65% of the company.

In a move aimed at bolstering national security, the Indian government has revoked the security clearance for Turkish ground handling firm Çelebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd., effective immediately. The decision, made by the Directorate General of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (DG, BCAS), was prompted by escalating tensions between India and Turkey following Turkey's support for Pakistan after Operation Sindoor [1].

Çelebi Airport Services, which handled approximately 70% of ground operations at Mumbai airport, including passenger services, load control, flight operations, cargo and postal services, warehouses, and bridge operations, has been temporarily suspended. The company has been operating at nine airports in India, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai [2].

The revocation of security clearance was announced by the DG, BCAS, citing national security concerns. Çelebi Aviation has maintained that it has always complied with regulations and has not received any warnings or penalties related to national security. The company's institutional investors include entities from Canada, the US, the UK, Singapore, the UAE, and Western Europe, which collectively own 65% of the company.

In response to the revocation, Mumbai airport operator MIAL has temporarily assigned ground handling duties to Indo Thai Airport Services. MIAL has also announced plans to launch a Request for Proposal (RFP) process within the next three days to appoint a long-term ground handling partner, with the new operator expected to be selected within the next three months [2].

The decision to revoke Çelebi Aviation's security clearance is part of a broader strategic realignment by India aimed at counterbalancing Turkish influence. This includes strengthening ties with Turkey’s geopolitical and historical opponents: Greece, Armenia, and Cyprus [1].

References:
[1] https://m.economictimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/govt-revokes-security-clearance-for-turkish-ground-handling-firm-celebi-airport-services/articleshow/121190236.cms
[2] https://www.business-standard.com/industry/aviation/mumbai-airport-appoints-indo-thai-after-celebi-clearance-revoked-125051601507_1.html