Centre revokes security clearance of Turkish firm Çelebi Aviation amid India-Pakistan conflict
Centre on 15 May revoked the security clearance of Turkish firm Celebi Aviation, responsible for critical ground operations at major Indian airports.
The decision comes amid growing demand of boycotting the firm headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey, the country that sided with Pakistan in the recent escalation of tensions with India after the Pahalgam terror attack and 'Operation Sindoor'.
India's Bureau of Civil Aviation Security informed through a notification about the 'revocation of security clearance in r/o Celebi airport services India Ltd,' which is a subsidary of Çelebi Aviation Holding, a Turkish company.
Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) has demanded an immediate termination of a ground-handling company Çelebi's contract at Mumbai's international airport. Citing national security concerns over Turkey's alleged support for Pakistan in recent drone-related activities from across the border, Shiv Sena leader Murji Patel led a delegation to Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), calling for an end to its association with Çelebi NAS Airport Services.
The Sena has given Mumbai International Airport a 10-day deadline to cancel the contract, warning of protests if no action is taken. Patel said the party has already met with the airport's CEO, who has promised to review the matter and respond within the timeframe.
The ultimatum comes at a time when social media is abuzz with boycott calls for travel to Turkiye. This, because, Turkiye and Azerbaijan are accused of providing military assistance to Pakistan as it tried to swarm the Indian air defence system after India struck terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) during Operation Sindoor on May 7.
Çelebi has presence at 9 airports in India – Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin, Kannur, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa, Ahmedabad and Chennai. It provides ground handling as Çelebi Airport Services India and cargo services as Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India at Delhi.
(This is a developing story. Check back for updates)
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