Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 15: The Indian government on Thursday revoked the security clearance of Turkish ground-handling company Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, citing national security concerns. The decision comes amid rising public and political pressure to ban Turkish businesses due to Turkey’s continued support to Pakistan, which India accuses of sheltering terrorism.
In an official notification, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said, “In the exercise of power conferred upon DG, BCAS, the security clearance in Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of national security.”
Celebi handles about 70% of ground operations at Mumbai airport, including passenger services, load control, flight operations, cargo handling, warehouse management, and bridge operations. The company entered the Indian market in 2008 and has since grown its footprint in the aviation sector.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol acknowledged public sentiment and confirmed the government's action in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“We have received requests from across India to ban Celebi NAS Airport Services India Ltd... Recognising the seriousness of the issue and the call to protect national interests, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has revoked the security clearance of the said company. Ensuring the safety and interests of the nation remains our top priority.”
Reports claim that Sumeyye Erdogan, daughter of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is a stakeholder in Celebi. She is married to Selcuk Bayraktar, the man behind Bayraktar drones—used by Pakistan’s military.
BJP spokesperson Gourav Vallabh said that Turkey will likely face economic repercussions, particularly in its tourism sector, over its actions.
“Turkey has already lost 10% of its tourist influx from India. With the ongoing betrayal of India and support to Pakistan, that number is expected to rise,” Vallabh told reporters.
The decision to revoke Celebi’s clearance underscores the growing strategic distancing between India and Turkey following Ankara’s open support for Islamabad during recent geopolitical tensions.
The move signals India’s intent to take economic and strategic action against entities linked to adversarial interests and to tighten scrutiny of foreign firms involved in sensitive sectors.