Winning Bizness Desk
Mumbai. On May 15, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked the security clearance of Turkish aviation firm Çelebi. This action came amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, following reports that Turkish drones were used in an attack on India. The decision reflects a broader trend of India reassessing its commercial ties with entities linked to Turkey, which has openly supported Pakistan on several issues, including in the wake of India’s military operation ‘Sindoor’ following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Chennai Airport terminates contract with Turkish firm
In the latest development, Chennai Airport has ended its contract with Çelebi’s Indian subsidiary, shutting down its ground handling services. According to a Reuters report, the airport ceased all operations managed by the Turkish company. This move follows similar decisions made earlier by other Indian airports, indicating a coordinated response against Turkish entities operating in the country.
Adani-led airports had already severed ties
Before Chennai, Adani Airport Holdings had terminated its partnership with Çelebi at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Both airports discontinued ground handling agreements, aligning with the government's stance on national security and geopolitical concerns.
Security concerns justified government’s action, Centre tells court
Çelebi challenged the BCAS decision in the Delhi High Court on May 16. In response, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta defended the government’s decision, stating that in matters of national security, preemptive warnings can defeat the very purpose of the action. He emphasized that such decisions are made to avert any potential threat to aviation security and cannot be delayed by procedural formalities.
Delhi Airport also ends ties citing national security
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) also formally ended its association with Çelebi for ground handling and cargo operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport, citing national security as the primary reason. The move marked another major blow to the company’s operations in India, where it had a significant footprint across multiple airports.
Çelebi defends its position, denies Turkish state affiliation
In its defence, Çelebi Aviation India claimed it is not a Turkish state organization and adheres strictly to corporate governance and transparency. The company added that 65% of its shares are held by international institutional investors from Canada, the US, the UK, Singapore, UAE, and Western Europe. It also stressed its 15-year operational history in India, during which it invested over USD 220 million and provided direct employment to more than 10,000 Indians.
Key Highlights:
1. BCAS cancelled Turkish firm Çelebi’s security clearance on May 15 citing national security concerns.
2. Chennai Airport ended Çelebi’s ground handling contract this week, following similar actions by other airports.
3. Adani Airport Holdings had earlier severed ties with the firm at Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports.
4. Delhi Airport also ended Çelebi’s services, citing similar reasons linked to national security.
5. Centre told Delhi High Court that warnings before such actions could compromise aviation security.
6. Çelebi India claimed no political ties with Turkey and said most of its ownership lies with global investors.
7. The company has operated in India for over 15 years, investing \$220 million and employing over 10,000 people.
