New Delhi: In a swift move following the revocation of security clearance for Turkey-based Çelebi Ground Handling India Pvt Ltd, Indian aviation authorities have handed over ground handling operations at Mumbai Airport to domestic firm Indothai.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) signed an agreement with Indothai on Friday, just a day after it cancelled Celebi’s security permit, citing national security concerns. The transition involves Indothai taking charge of Celebi’s staff and assets at the airport.
BCAS Revokes Celebi’s Permit Over National Security
BCAS revoked Celebi’s clearance on Thursday, effective immediately, stating that the decision was made “in the interest of national security.” Celebi, a subsidiary of Çelebi Aviation Holding of Turkey, had been providing ground handling services at major Indian airports, including Mumbai and Cochin.
The move follows growing calls for a boycott of Turkish entities in India, after Turkey expressed support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, India’s cross-border anti-terror strikes launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Reports also suggest that Turkey supplied drones to Pakistan, which were used during the May 7–10 military exchange with India.
Indothai to Absorb 3,000 Celebi Staff
With the new agreement in place, around 3,000 Celebi employees working at Mumbai Airport will be absorbed by Indothai. These workers will be issued fresh airport entry permits under Indothai’s authorization, ensuring a smooth and immediate operational transition.
Cochin Airport Also Drops Celebi
In compliance with the BCAS directive, Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) announced that it had terminated all services provided by Celebi as of Thursday.
In a statement, CIAL said, “Despite the transition, all operations at CIAL remained fully functional and disruption-free. Our teams, in coordination with alternative authorized service providers, ensured uninterrupted performance across all areas.” It added that the airport is exploring long-term solutions to ensure operational stability while adhering to national regulations.
Celebi Challenges Government Decision in Court
Meanwhile, Celebi has approached the Delhi High Court, contesting the BCAS decision. In its petition, the company argued that the cancellation was based on “vague” national security concerns and lacked detailed justification.
Calling the decision a threat to jobs and investor confidence, Celebi stated that over 3,791 employees would be affected, and that the action was taken without prior notice.
“Mere rhetoric of national security without elaborating upon in what manner is an entity a threat to national security is unsustainable in law,” Celebi said in its legal filing, as reported by Reuters.
The matter is scheduled to be heard in court on Monday.
