Çelebi Security Clearance Revoked: 5 Shocking Reasons India Banned the Turkish Aviation Giant

India has revoked the security clearance of Turkish ground-handling firm Çelebi Aviation, effectively shutting down its operations at nine major airports—including Delhi and Mumbai—over national security concerns. The decision follows Turkey’s open support for Pakistan during the recent India-Pakistan military conflict, where Ankara allegedly supplied weapons to Islamabad. The move comes after India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor, launched in response to a Pakistan-backed terror attack in Kashmir that killed 26 tourists. Çelebi, which handles cargo and passenger services for key airports, denied any security risks, emphasizing its global investor base, but Indian authorities remain firm.

Major airports like Delhi and Bengaluru have already terminated contracts, ensuring a smooth transition for affected employees. The government has deployed special teams to prevent operational disruptions, reinforcing its stance that national security outweighs business interests. This decision highlights how geopolitical tensions can directly impact international business partnerships. 

Çelebi Security Clearance Revoked: 5 Shocking Reasons India Banned the Turkish Aviation Giant

In a significant move, the Indian government has revoked the security clearance of Turkish ground-handling company Çelebi Aviation’s Indian operations, effectively halting its services at nine major airports, including Delhi and Mumbai. The decision, announced by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), cites national security concerns and takes immediate effect.

Why Did India Take This Step? 

The move follows heightened tensions between India and Turkey after Ankara openly supported Pakistan during the recent India-Pakistan military conflict. Reports indicate that Turkey supplied weapons to Pakistan during the standoff, which began after a terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, killing 26 tourists.  

India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor targeted terror camps in Pakistan, but Turkey, along with China and Azerbaijan, backed Islamabad diplomatically. Given Çelebi’s Turkish origins, Indian authorities deemed its continued operations a potential security risk.  

Çelebi’s Role in India’s Aviation Sector 

Çelebi is a major player in India’s aviation ground-handling sector, providing services at:  

• Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa (Mopa), Ahmedabad, Cochin, Chennai, and Kannur airports.  

• The company claims to have handled 58,000 flights, 540,000 tonnes of cargo, and employed 7,800 people in India. 

Following the BCAS order, Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) and Bengaluru International Airport Ltd (BIAL) swiftly terminated contracts with Çelebi, ensuring a smooth transition for affected employees.  

Çelebi’s Response: Denial of Allegations 

The company denied any security risks, stating that its ownership is diversified:  

• 65% owned by international institutional investors (Canada, U.S., UK, Singapore, UAE, Western Europe).  

• 50% held by Jersey-registered Actera Partners II L.P.  

• 15% owned by Dutch entity Alpha Airport Services BV. 

Despite these claims, the Indian government remains firm, with Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu emphasizing that “national security is paramount.”  

What’s Next for Indian Airports? 

• Adani Airport Holdings also cut ties with DragonPass, a lounge-access provider, though unrelated to Çelebi.  

• Special teams have been deployed to oversee the transition and prevent operational disruptions. 

Key Takeaways 

• Security Over Business Ties: India is prioritizing national security, even if it means severing ties with a major aviation services provider.  

• Geopolitical Fallout: The decision reflects ongoing tensions with Turkey over its pro-Pakistan stance.  

• Operational Adjustments: Airports are swiftly adapting to ensure no disruption in ground-handling services. 

Final Thought 

This move underscores how geopolitical conflicts can spill into business and trade, forcing nations to reassess foreign partnerships. For now, India is erring on the side of caution, ensuring that its aviation security remains uncompromised.