Mumbai airport on Friday announced that Indo Thai Airport Services will handle ground operations for the next three months, effective immediately.
Adani Ends Tie-Up with Turkish Firm After Security Clearance Revoked at Mumbai Airport
The move comes a day after Adani Airport Holdings Ltd terminated concession agreements with Turkish firm Celebi NAS at Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports, following the central government’s revocation of Celebi’s security clearance on national security grounds.
In a statement, Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) said, “Indo Thai Airport Services has been appointed as the interim ground handling provider at the airport for the next three months with immediate effect,” adding that a joint meeting with airlines had been conducted to ensure a seamless transition.
No Job Losses or Service Disruptions, Says MIAL
Indo Thai Airport Services, which has operations in nine airports, will temporarily handle ground handling operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) India’s second-busiest airport and one operated by the Adani Group-owned MIAL.
To avoid disruption, MIAL added, “CSMIA will facilitate the transfer of all existing employees of Celebi NAS at CSMIA to Indo Thai Airport Services on their existing terms and conditions of employment, thus ensuring no loss of employment and continued service delivery to airline partners.”
Further, the airport noted that, “All ground handling equipment currently owned by Celebi NAS will be leased by Indo Thai Airport Services, in order to maintain continuity of service.” MIAL also assured that it would start the Request for Proposal (RFP) process within three days to appoint a long-term ground handling partner, who will be inducted in the next three months. To provide seamless service, the airport again stated that “a joint meeting was conducted with all concerned airlines” for smooth transfer of ground handling operations from Celebi NAS.
Celebi Challenges Decision in Delhi High Court Amid Diplomatic Tensions
The Turkish company Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd has petitioned the Delhi High Court on Friday against the decision by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) to cancel its security clearance on grounds of national security, reported PTI.
The recall was made just after Turkey openly stood with Pakistan and protested India’s airstrikes on terror camps as part of Operation Sindoor, which was initiated following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that left 26 people dead.
A lawyer dealing with the case confirmed that the plea had been made, and it would be heard next week.
In a previous release, Celebi Aviation India claimed to be in full compliance with Indian tax laws, national security, and aviation laws and operates openly. The company refuted all the claims surrounding its operation and ownership in India and reemphasized its continued commitment to the Indian aviation sector.
