Govt revokes security clearance for Turkish ground handling firm Celebi Airport Services

The Centre on Thursday announced that the security clearance for Turkish ground handling firm Celebi Airport Services has been revoked with immediate effect over interest of national security.

"The security clearance in r/o Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd, under the category Ground Handling Agency was approved by DG, BCAS vide letter no. 15/99/2022-Delhi-BCAS/E-219110 dated 21.11.2022. In the exercise of power conferred upon DG, BCAS, the security clearance in r/o Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of National Security. This issues with the approval of DG, BCAS," said the government's order.

The government's decision follows reports that the Pakistani army used Turkish drones against India in the conflict last week.


Also Read | Indians boycott Turkey, Azerbaijan for backing Pakistan after Operation Sindoor

Celebi's statement on India's step to revoke clearance:
After India revoked its security clearance access, Celebi Aviation India in the statement said that it is majority-owned (65%) by international institutional investors from across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Western Europe. "Actera Partners II L.P., a Jersey-registered fund holds 50% ownership in Çelebi Hayacılık Holding A.Ş. The remaining 15% is held by Alpha Airport Services BV, a Dutch-registered entity," said the statement.

"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," added the company in its statement.

The company has also rejected claim regarding Sümeyye Erdoğan's daughter being a part owner. "For the record and in line with complete transparency there is no one named Sümeyye owning any shareholding in the parent organisation. The Turkish shareholding is solely limited to members of the founding Celebjoğlų family; Mr. Can Celebjoğlu and Ms. Canan Çelebioğlu (each holding 17.5%)., nor any individuals with the same. The company was originally established in 1958 by their father as Turkey's first private and independent ground handling company. Both siblings have no political affiliations or associations of any kind," said the company.

Celebi's operations in India:
As per the company's website, Çelebi’s first step into India started off with a joint venture with a mandate to provide services at Mumbai International Airport. Within the last 10 years, the company now operations at a total of nine stations in India consisting of Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin, Kannur, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa(GOX) and Ahmedabad & Chennai.

Prior to the revocation, Celebi was managing 540,000 tons of cargo across 58,000 flights. At India's nine airports, Çelebi provides passenger services, load control and flight operations, and ramp services, ensuring smooth coordination and efficiency on the ground. The company also provided specialised support for general aviation, as well as cargo and postal handling. Additionally, Çelebi managed warehouse operations and bridge operation services, contributing to a seamless airport experience for both passengers and cargo.

The Turkish company handles around 70% of the ground operations at Mumbai airport, including passenger services, load control, flight operations, cargo and postal services, warehouses and bridge operations.