India revokes security clearance of Turkey’s Celebi Aviation citing national security concerns

The decision was taken in the interest of national security, according to an official order dated May 15, reported India Today.

This development comes as relations between India and Turkey have deteriorated after Ankara backed Islamabad and criticised Indian armed forces’ Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people, most of them Hindu tourists, were killed.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) cancelled the clearance of Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd with immediate effect, the report said.

The company had earlier been granted clearance on November 21, 2022, under the Ground Handling Agency category.

The report said, citing sources in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, airports currently served by Celebi will have to arrange alternative ground handling support in coordination with other service providers.

Fresh tenders are expected to be issued shortly to appoint new agencies at the nine airports where Celebi operates.

Celebi Aviation handles critical high-security operations at nine major airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.

Its functions include ground handling, cargo services, and airside operations—areas considered high-security due to their sensitive nature and strict regulatory oversight.

Interestingly, around 10% of Celebi is suspected to be owned by Sumeyye Erdoğan, daughter of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and wife of Selçuk Bayraktar—the developer of the drones used by Pakistan.

A few days ago, a Shiv Sena MLA had written to the Chief Airport Officer demanding the revocation of Celebi’s operational permission.

Shiv Sena leader Murji Patel stated that Turkey’s support to Pakistan raises grave concerns, especially when Turkish government-affiliated companies continue to operate within India’s most sensitive infrastructure zones.

Turkey’s support to Pakistan draws ire

There is widespread public anger in India after Turkey and Azerbaijan backed Pakistan and condemned India’s military strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The Operation Sindoor strikes were launched on May 7, in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians.

Turkey reportedly supported Pakistan with drones and military assistance during the conflict, drawing sharp backlash in India—especially in light of the aid India had extended to Turkey after its 2023 earthquakes.

Calls for a boycott of Turkish products and tourism have intensified. Platforms like EaseMyTrip, MakeMyTrip, and Ixigo have issued travel advisories urging Indians to avoid non-essential travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Go Homestays ended its partnership with Turkish Airlines, citing national interest.

Indian traders have reportedly begun boycotting Turkish imports such as apples and marble.

Trade experts caution that the escalating diplomatic standoff may further strain bilateral relations.