In a significant national security move, the operations of Çelebi Aviation halted across several Indian airports following the revocation of the company’s security clearance. The decision, effective immediately from May 15, 2025, impacts one of the largest Turkish ground handling service providers operating in India.
Operations of Çelebi Aviation Halted Amid India-Turkey Tensions
The operations of Çelebi Aviation halted in the wake of escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Turkey. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked the security clearance of Çelebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd., citing national security reasons. This follows Turkey’s recent overt support for Pakistan during the India-Pakistan conflict triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor.
India is particularly concerned about reports of Turkish military aid—including drone support—being extended to Pakistan, prompting heightened scrutiny of Turkish entities operating within Indian borders.
Impact as Operations of Çelebi Aviation Halted
Çelebi Aviation provided ground handling services at nine major Indian airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kochi. The company managed over 58,000 flights and handled approximately 540,000 tonnes of cargo annually. Its Indian workforce comprised nearly 7,800 employees.
The immediate halt in operations is expected to disrupt airport logistics, forcing airlines to seek alternative service providers. Companies like AI Airport Services, Air India SATS, and Bird Group may step in to fill the gap.
Indus Water Treaty Suspension: India Responds Strongly After Pahalgam Terror Attack
The operations of Çelebi Aviation halted is part of a broader backlash against Turkish interests in India. In addition to calls for boycotts and academic disengagement, Indian authorities are now reviewing Turkish investments in sensitive sectors.
This firm stance signals India’s growing emphasis on security-driven diplomacy and infrastructure sovereignty.
