The security clearance of Çelebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Turkey's Çelebi Aviation Holding, has been cancelled by the Indian government on grounds of national security. The move comes into effect immediately and is applicable to the company's ground handling facilities at nine airports of national importance in the country, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Goa, Cochin, and Kannur.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, issued the order on May 15 to the effect that the clearance originally given on November 21, 2022, is cancelled "in the interest of national security."

This move follows heightened tensions between India and Turkey, particularly after the vocal support for Pakistan from Turkey in recent battles. Political parties such as the Shiv Sena had criticized Çelebi's activities within India as a security threat based on the Turkish origin of the company.

Çelebi Aviation, in operation in India since 2008, provides vital ground handling operations such as passenger services, cargo handling, and flight operations. The company operates about 65% of ground handling services at Mumbai airport and has a major presence in other big airports.

In reaction to the cancellation, Çelebi released a statement stating that it is a professionally managed, internationally operated aviation services firm with no political connections. The firm underscored that it is owned by international institutional investors from nations such as Canada, the US, the UK, Singapore, the UAE, and Western Europe in majority.

Revocation requires short-term interim measures at the affected airports. Officials should work together with alternative ground handling agencies to keep airport operations on track. New tenders are expected to be issued soon for appointing fresh service providers.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol recognized public opinion and affirmed the government's move on an X (formerly Twitter) post, which read: "We have received requests from all over India to ban Celebi NAS Airport Services India Ltd. In the wake of the seriousness of the matter and the appeal to safeguard national interest, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has cancelled the security clearance of the aforementioned company. Safety and national interests remain our paramount concern."

The decision by the government reaffirms India's interest in protecting national security interests, particularly in sensitive areas such as aviation. As events unfold, stakeholders wait for further information regarding the appointment of new ground handling service providers at the affected airports.