New Delhi – In a strong move reflecting heightened geopolitical tensions, the Government of India has revoked the security clearance of Celebi Ground Handling India Private Limited, a Turkish firm providing ground services at nine major Indian airports. The decision, taken "in the interest of national security", comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, and amid mounting diplomatic strains between New Delhi and Ankara.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation issued a formal order late Thursday evening, stating that the security clearance granted to Celebi has been revoked with immediate effect. The order signals India's first direct punitive action against a Turkish company operating in the country and is viewed as part of a broader strategic response to Turkey's vocal support for Pakistan in recent weeks.
Celebi, which manages extensive ground handling operations at key airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Goa, Kochi, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata, is one of the largest foreign service providers in India’s aviation sector.
In a further development, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has also terminated its arrangement with Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India, a separate entity that managed cargo services at the national capital's airport.
This decision appears to align with India's evolving foreign policy stance, which has seen closer cooperation with Turkey’s traditional rivals — including Greece, Armenia, Cyprus, and Arab nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In recent years, India has intensified its outreach to these countries, both diplomatically and economically, as Ankara's ties with Islamabad have deepened.
The move comes alongside a growing domestic boycott of Turkish products and tourism, reflecting both public and official discontent with Turkey’s posture on Kashmir and other internal Indian matters.
In a statement issued shortly after the revocation, Celebi Aviation emphasized its long-standing presence in global aviation:
“We are 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.”
The company added that it remains committed to compliance with local laws and is seeking dialogue with relevant authorities.
Industry experts say the exit of Celebi will create a temporary gap in services at several key airports, but Indian ground handling companies are expected to step in. The Airport Authority of India (AAI) and private airport operators are now assessing alternative arrangements to ensure seamless operations in the coming weeks.
As geopolitical tensions continue to influence economic and security decisions, today's action signals a clear message: India will not hesitate to act against foreign entities perceived as aligned with hostile interests.
