Turkey-based ground handling giant Celebi Aviation has taken the Indian government to court after its security clearance was abruptly revoked, citing “vague” national security concerns. The move, which comes amid heightened tensions between India and Turkey, has put thousands of jobs at risk and raised questions about investor confidence in the country’s aviation sector.
On Thursday, India’s Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) cancelled the security clearance for Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Turkey’s Celebi Aviation Holding, with immediate effect. This clearance is mandatory for companies handling critical airport services like passenger and baggage handling. The government justified the action as being “in the interest of national security” but did not provide any specific details or evidence to support the claim.
The decision follows a period of strained diplomatic relations between India and Turkey. Tensions escalated after Turkey openly supported Pakistan during the recent Operation Sindoor, India’s anti-terror strikes in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Reports also emerged that Turkish-made drones were supplied to Pakistan and used during the conflict, fuelling public anger and calls for a boycott of Turkish firms in India.
In its legal filing to the Delhi High Court, Celebi argued that the government’s order was based on “vague and general references to national security” without any concrete or substantive justification. The company said it had not received any warning or opportunity to respond before the clearance was revoked. Celebi warned that the move would directly impact 3,791 jobs and undermine investor trust in India’s aviation sector, stating, “Mere rhetoric of national security without elaborating upon in what manner is an entity a threat to national security is unsustainable in law”.
Celebi has been a major player in India’s aviation sector for over 15 years, providing ground handling, cargo, and warehouse management services at nine major airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Cochin, Kannur, Goa, and Ahmedabad. The company claims to employ around 10,000 people in India and has invested over $250 million in the country.
Following the government’s action, Indian authorities moved quickly to ensure continuity of airport operations. The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that all Celebi employees would be transferred to other ground handling companies at the affected airports. At Mumbai Airport, for example, Indian firm Indothai was appointed to take over Celebi’s staff and assets, with nearly 3,000 employees expected to be moved to the new employer’s payroll. The government has assured that airport entry permits for Celebi staff will remain valid until May 19, after which new permits will be issued under the names of the new employers.
Logistical and Administrative Challenges
Despite these assurances, the sudden transition has posed significant logistical and administrative challenges. Celebi’s assets and equipment are being redistributed among existing and new ground handling service providers, but the process is ongoing and the long-term impact on airport operations remains to be seen.
Celebi has strongly denied any wrongdoing, insisting that it has always complied with Indian laws and regulations. The company also pointed out that while its shareholders are registered in Turkey, the majority control is held by entities that are not of Turkish origin. Celebi said it had undergone all necessary background checks and security verifications by Indian authorities before starting its operations.
The Delhi High Court is expected to hear Celebi’s petition on Monday. Meanwhile, the government has stood by its decision, with the Minister of State for Civil Aviation stating that the move was taken after receiving requests from across India to ban Celebi, and that “ensuring the safety and interests of the nation remains our top priority”.
The case has drawn attention to the delicate balance between national security concerns and the need for transparent regulatory processes, especially when thousands of jobs and significant foreign investment are at stake. The outcome of Celebi’s legal challenge is likely to set an important precedent for foreign companies operating in sensitive sectors in India.
