India has revoked the security clearance of Turkish ground handling firm Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd. with immediate effect, citing national security concerns in the wake of Operation Sindoor. This decision, issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), directly impacts Celebi’s operations at nine major Indian airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa, Cochin, Ahmedabad, and Kannur, where the company handled critical ground and cargo services.
The move comes after Turkey openly supported Pakistan and condemned Indian military actions during Operation Sindoor—a series of missile strikes by India on terror camps in Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. Indian authorities raised concerns about Turkish firms operating within sensitive airport zones, especially given Turkey’s increasing alignment with Pakistan and reports of Turkish military support to Pakistan during the conflict. As a result, airports currently served by Celebi must make interim arrangements with other ground handling agencies, and fresh tenders are expected to appoint new service providers. The decision is part of a broader reassessment of Turkish business interests in India’s sensitive sectors, reflecting a shift in New Delhi’s foreign policy and a deepening of ties with Turkey’s regional rivals.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)