India cancels Celebi airport services' security clearance after Turkey backs Pakistan in Operation Sindoor
India has revoked the security clearance of Turkish firm Celebi Airport Services India, which operates ground handling and cargo services at nine major airports across the country. The decision came amid growing diplomatic strain with Turkey following its support for Pakistan during India's Operation Sindoor and concerns over national security.
Why Celebi's Clearance was revoked
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) issued an official notification revoking Celebi's clearance with immediate effect. The permit, originally granted on November 21, 2022, was cancelled citing 'the interest of national security.' Sources within the government said Celebi's operations posed a geographical and strategic risk, as civil aviation is a sensitive sector and Turkey has supplied weapons, including drones, to Pakistan.
How big is Çelebi in India? They're huge, with the growth in aviation, I'm sure all 7800 employees will get absorbed into whoever takes over their operations. India accounted for almost a quarter of revenues for them.---Çelebi Aviation currently operates at nine major Indian…
'In the exercise of power conferred upon DG, BCAS, the security clearance in r/o Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of National Security,' the official notification stated.
Government officials had earlier indicated that contracts involving Celebi were under review, especially those that could have direct implications for national security.
Celebi's role in Indian aviation
Celebi Airport Services has been operating in India since 2008 and plays a significant role in ground handling and cargo operations. It operates at key airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Goa, Ahmedabad, Cochin, and Kannur. Its operations include ramp services, load control, flight operations, cargo and postal services, warehouse management, and bridge-mounted equipment.
The company handles more than 58,000 flights and over 540,000 tonnes of cargo annually. It employs approximately 7,800 people in India and contributes nearly a quarter of Celebi Aviation Holding's global revenue.
There are two separate entities under Celebi in India: Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd for ground handling and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt Ltd for cargo services at Delhi Airport.
Broader backlash against Turkey
The decision on Celebi comes amid a wider backlash in India against Turkey's actions. Turkey openly supported Pakistan following India's strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Turkish drones such as the Asisguard SONGAR and Bayraktar TB2 were reportedly used in the May 8 drone attacks against India. A Turkish warship and an Air Force C-130 were also seen in Karachi during this period.
Public sentiment has triggered a 'Boycott Turkey' campaign across India. Indian tourists are cancelling trips, and travel platforms have stopped offering Turkey itineraries. Prominent Indian universities, including Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), have suspended academic ties with Turkish institutions. Trade bodies, including the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), have also announced plans to end commercial relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan.
CAIT is expected to discuss a full trade boycott in a meeting in New Delhi. The organization has already been leading a similar campaign against Chinese imports.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
24 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Startup Mantra: Accelerate business growth with sustainability
At a time when businesses across the globe are navigating a maze of sustainability regulations, a Pune-based startup is helping them find clarity—and compliance—with confidence. Founded in 2021 by Rajesh Patel, Snowkap is a Net Zero Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform that helps companies manage their Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) performance and reduce their carbon footprint. Born out of a problem Patel encountered firsthand—scattered ESG data, outdated tools, and a lack of business-aligned solutions—Snowkap blends artificial intelligence with human expertise to create a comprehensive, usable platform. 'We're not trying to retrofit old systems,' says Patel, who also heads the Powerweave Group. 'We wanted to create something grounded in how sustainability actually functions inside modern businesses,' he said. From pain point to platform The ideation for Snowkap began with conversations across boardrooms and factory floors. Patel and his team met sustainability officers, procurement heads, chief financial officers (CFOs), auditors, and policy advisors across geographies. 'We mapped where ESG data comes from, who owns it, where it gets stuck. The pattern was clear—manual processes, scattered workflows, and a heavy reliance on consultants just to stay compliant,' says Patel. What emerged was a business-grade ESG ERP platform—built from scratch, not retrofitted. The platform integrates directly into an enterprise's existing systems, automates data collection, matches it to global frameworks, and flags gaps, enabling quick and credible reporting. It supports the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), among others. 'Think of us as your ESG control tower,' Patel explains. 'We plug in, clean up your data, match it to global standards, and help build your reports—all from one place.' Bootstrapped but built-to-scale The product has been in the making for over 18 months, backed entirely by the Powerweave Group and developed by a core team of engineers, ESG experts, and compliance professionals. Around $1.5 million has been invested so far through internal capital and grants. Unlike many early-stage startups, Snowkap has avoided the blitz-scaling trap. 'We built with intent, not speed,' says Patel. While most SaaS companies bleed cash in the name of scale, Snowkap's infrastructure and product choices were made to grow sustainably. 'From the beginning, we asked—how can we scale without increasing burn?' adds Patel. Human and AI approach The global ESG software market, currently pegged at $3.17 billion, is dominated by giants like SAP, IBM, and Microsoft, which together command over 60% market share. Snowkap, like other Indian entrants (with <10% market share), is an emerging challenger in a rapidly growing industry. What sets Snowkap apart, says Patel, is its Human + AI approach. 'Most platforms stop at reporting. We go further—our AI does the heavy lifting, and our ESG experts help translate that into business-first action,' he says. 'It's not just about compliance—it's about helping businesses make smarter decisions.' Europe and GCC on the radar Snowkap now plans to expand into high-impact markets in Europe and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The timing is deliberate. 'Europe is now the epicentre of sustainability regulation,' says Patel, referring to new frameworks like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and the Omnibus Directive. 'These aren't just acronyms—they're reshaping boardroom agendas.' To enter these markets, Snowkap is strengthening its partner ecosystem. Local collaborators, especially in Europe, bring on-ground knowledge and regulatory understanding, while Snowkap provides the scalable tech backbone. Industry tailwinds The ESG software market is booming—with a global compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.7%, projected to hit $8.03 billion by 2030. India's market is smaller but growing faster—from ~$110 million now to an estimated $377 million by 2030 (CAGR of 22.9%). For Patel, it's not just a business opportunity—it's a shift in how companies define performance. 'ESG is now a boardroom priority, not just a CSR checkbox. When something becomes central to business strategy, you need infrastructure that evolves with it.'
Hindustan Times
34 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Tata Group needs to fine-tune key aspects of Air India's operations: Praful Patel
Mumbai: Former civil aviation minister Praful Patel has called on the Tata Group to fine-tune key aspects of Air India's operations, a day after the airline's Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft with 242 people onboard crashed shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad. At least 265 people have been confirmed dead as of Friday, including students at a medical college's hostel and others in a residential area near the Ahmedabad airport where the plane went down. 'After three-and-a-half years of the takeover of Air India by the Tatas, the management needs to fine-tune various aspects of running a world-class airline, including maintenance,' Patel told reporters at the Nationalist Congress Party's office in Mumbai on Friday. The 68-year-old was the civil aviation minister in the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government when Boeing introduced the Dreamliners in 2011. Asked about India's proficiency in maintaining and repairing aircraft, Patel expressed concern over the 'under-utilisation' of domestic facilities. Before the Tata takeover in 2022, most of Air India's planes were maintained by Air India Engineering Services Limited, the country's largest aircraft maintenance company, which is government-owned. However, many planes are now being managed by other agencies, he said. 'We have a world-class set-up, but it is surprising why some planes of Air India are sent outside the country for maintenance. Air India Engineering Services Limited has always maintained Air India for a long time, and their services should be utilised. It is surprising that aircraft are sent outside. Boeing's maintenance and repair facility at Nagpur has a good track record. However, the facility has been underutilised,' he added. Terming the accident a temporary setback, Patel said India's aviation sector remains largely well-managed. 'We have potential for growth and a need for more aircraft, looking at the size of our country. Any accident has a temporary setback, but largely, Indian aviation is well managed. SOPs and safety norms are well in place in India's aviation growth,' he said. Thursday's accident is being probed by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which comes under the civil aviation ministry. Patel refused to speculate on the reasons behind the crash and said everyone should wait for the AAIB's report. 'The black box has been recovered. While the data will be retrieved within a few months, it will take a little longer for the government to come out with a report detailing the exact reasons behind the crash,' he said. Patel also played down speculation that a bird hit may have led to the crash. 'Even if one of the two engines had failed, technically, the plane is equipped to take off and travel the full distance. Watching the video, it seems that there was no problem at the time of the takeoff. Otherwise, the pilot would have avoided it,' he said. The NCP leader also called on passengers not to be scared of air travel following the crash. 'India's overall safety standards are well-defined and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation keeps updating these norms in line with international norms,' he said. Meanwhile, Tata Group chairman N Chandrasekaran on Friday described the crash as 'one of the darkest days in Tata Group's history.' In a letter addressed to employees, Chandrasekaran conveyed his grief over the loss of lives, calling the tragedy 'incomprehensible.' 'Words are no consolation right now, but my thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the people who died and were injured in the crash. We are here for them. I want to say that, like you, we want to understand what happened. We don't know right now, but we will,' Chandrasekaran wrote in the letter. With inputs from PTI
Hindustan Times
39 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
State govt to join hands with 5 leading foreign universities for education city in Navi Mumbai
MUMBAI: The state government will present Letters of Intent (LOIs) to five leading foreign universities as part of the 'Mumbai Rising – Creating an International Education City' initiative. The official ceremony will take place at noon today at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai. The five universities invited to establish campuses in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai include the University of Aberdeen, the University of York, the University of Western Australia, the Illinois Institute of Technology, and the Istituto Europeo di Design (IED). Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan will be the chief guest at the event. Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and higher and technical education minister Chandrakant Patil are also expected to attend. The initiative, led by the Government of Maharashtra with support from CIDCO, aims to develop an International Education City near the Navi Mumbai International Airport. The education hub, spanning a 5-km radius, will be the first of its kind in the country offering students access to high-quality international education within India. Officials said that the project could not only improve academic standards in India but also promote cultural exchange and collaboration between Indian and international students and faculty. 'The International Education City will help bring global education to our doorstep and create opportunities for students from across India,' a government official stated.
