Turkish Firm Operating At Indian Airports Loses Security Clearance After Op Sindoor

New Delhi:

The Turkish firm that handles the lion’s share of services at nine major airports in India, has lost its security clearance following Turkey’s support of Pakistan over Operation Sindoor. This evening, an order from the Civil Aviation Ministry said the security clearance for Celebi Ground Handling India Private Limited “is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of national security”.

The Delhi airport has also severed ties with Çelebi, which under a separate entity of Celebi Aviation — Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India — oversees cargo services at Delhi International Airport. 

This is India’s first overt move against a Turkish firm, though for the last few years, the government has ramped up its engagement with the traditional opponents and antagonists of Turkey — Greece, Armenia, Cyprus and Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates in the Arab bloc.

In its response, Celebi Aviation said it is a “global company with a legacy of over 65 years in aviation services, delivering ground handling and cargo operations across three continents and six countries”.

In a communique, the company added, “As clearly illustrated, Celebi’s business in India is truly an Indian enterprise, led and managed by Indian professionals, deeply invested in the country, and committed to its growth. We are not a Turkish organisation by any standard and adhere fully to globally accepted practices of corporate governance, transparency, and neutrality, with no political affiliations or links to any foreign government or individuals”.

Junior Civil Aviation minister Murlidhar Mohol said, “Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd is a Turkey-based company that gives ground services at many airports in the country. Turkey had openly supported Pakistan. In view of the current situation, this has become an issue of national security. Keeping security in mind, Celebi has been banned in the country”.