In a key development that highlights the nexus of business and geopolitics, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on Thursday cancelled the security clearance of Celebi Aviation, a decision that effectively brings its ground handling operations at major Indian airports to a standstill.
The order, based on “national interests,” comes at a juncture when diplomatic tensions between India and certain foreign nations are heightening.
A Global Player in Ground Handling
Celebi Aviation is a Turkish multinational company with a long history of service in the aviation sector. Established in 1958, it was Turkey’s first private ground handling company and now has operations at 70 airports globally. Its portfolio covers ground handling, cargo and warehouse operations, and general aviation services.
Since it began operations in India via Mumbai, Celebi has spread its footprints to nine major airports—Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Cochin, Kannur, Goa (GOX), Ahmedabad, and Mumbai. In India, Celebi has managed everything from passenger service and cargo logistics to flight operations and bridge management. This far-reaching presence made Celebi a dominant private player in India’s aviation sector.
Security Concerns Prompt Revocation
BCAS revoked the security clearance of Celebi based on “national interests,” though the regulator has not made public certain violations. The timing closely follows diplomatic tensions, however. Turkey and Azerbaijan, both connected to Celebi by nationality or interest, recently backed Pakistan and criticized India’s counter-terrorism operations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor.
This geopolitical context lends gravity to the government’s move, making it a matter of not only regulatory action but strategic security policy.
Responding rapidly to the BCAS directive, Delhi Airport suspended its agreement with Celebi. Other airports will follow. This places Celebi’s entire Indian operations—ranging from key logistics and operational functions—immediately at risk.
Celebi Denies Political Links
Reacting to the directive, Celebi Aviation India dissociated itself from any foreign association. “We are not a Turkish organization by any definition and fully follow globally accepted norms of corporate governance, transparency, and neutrality, with no political allegiance or association with any foreign government or individuals,” the company said.
Though Celebi can test the BCAS ruling through legal or diplomatic means, its fate in India is uncertain. National security interests usually provide scant room for policy reversal, particularly when global alignments are at stake.
