Indian firm Indothai to take over Mumbai Airport's ground handling after revocation of Celebi's security clearance
A day after Centre revoked security clearance access of Turkey-based Celebi, Indian firm Indothai has been given the charge of handling the staff and assets at the Mumbai Airport, sources to ET.
ADVERTISEMENT Previously, the Turkish company was handling around 70% of the ground operations at Mumbai airport, including passenger services, load control, flight operations, cargo and postal services, warehouses and bridge operations.
The Adani Airport Holdings on Thursday said it has terminated the ground handling concession agreements with Turkish firm Celebi for the Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports.
Celebi's security clearance revoked:
The government had, on Thursday, revoked the security clearance required for Celebi to operate in India, citing unspecified national security concerns. The clearance is a prerequisite under Indian law for companies providing critical services at airports, including passenger and baggage handling.The government's decision follows reports that the Pakistani army had used Turkish drones against India in the conflict last week. Nonetheless, Turkey has also expressed its support to Pakistan in 'good and bad' times after India's Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure in the neighbouring nation.Celebi Aviation has been operating in India for over a decade, providing ground handling services at several airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
ADVERTISEMENT After the BCAS decision, operations of various entities of Celebi Hava Servisi AS have been suspended. They are Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd (CASI), Celebi GH India Pvt Ltd (CGHI), Celebi Nas Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt Ltd, and Celebi GS Chennai Pvt Ltd (CGSC).
Also Read: 'Will continue to support Pakistan in good times and bad,' says Turkish President Erdogan amid boycott calls in India
ADVERTISEMENT The company unequivocally refuted all misleading and factually incorrect allegations circulating on social media regarding the company's ownership and operations in India.At India's nine airports, Celebi was providing passenger services, load control and flight operations, and ramp services, ensuring smooth coordination and efficiency on the ground. The company also provided specialised support for general aviation, as well as cargo and postal handling. Additionally, Celebi managed warehouse operations and bridge operation services, contributing to a seamless airport experience for both passengers and cargo.
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Celebi sues India's decision
Turkey-based Celebi has launched a legal challenge to India's decision to overturn its security clearance, arguing in a court filing that "vague" national security concerns were cited without reasoning.
Celebi Airport Services India, in a May 16 filing seen by Reuters, asked the Delhi High Court to set aside that decision, arguing it would impact 3,791 jobs and investor confidence, and was issued without any warning to the company.
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