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Time of India
15-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
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 Why Celebi's Clearance was revoked The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) issued an official notification revoking Celebi's clearance with immediate effect.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.
New Indian Express
15-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Turkish firm operating in Indian airports loses security clearance amid Turkey's support for Pakistan
The Turkish firm that handles services at nine major airports in India lost its security clearance following Turkey's support to Pakistan over Operation Sindoor. Celebi Ground Handling India Private Limited, a Turkey-based company had its security clearance revoked with immediate effect following an order from the Civil Aviation Ministry. In its order, the ministry said that the service is being revoked 'in the interest of national security.' The company handles baggage clearance in nine airports, including Mumbai and Bengaluru. Turkey shares close links with Pakistan through trade banking and tourism. The military of all three nations are also dependent on each other. Following Operation Sindoor, Turkey was found to have offered more than just verbal support. A large number of drones used against India were identified as Turkey-made - the Asisguard SONGAR and the Bayraktar TB2, an unmanned combat aerial vehicle. Ahead of Operation Sindoor, a Turkish warship had docked in Karachi, followed shortly by the landing of a Turkish Air Force C-130 in the city. After Turkey offered support for Pakistan, the nation has been facing a massive backlash, including crack down on trade and tourism. Following the incident, Indian tourists are canceling trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan in large numbers to both Turkey and Azerbaijan. As per data provided by leading travel portal MakeMyTrip (MMT), bookings for Azerbaijan and Turkey have come down by 60%, while cancellations have increased by 250% in the past one week. On Wednesday, Jawaharlal Nehru University had cancelled tie-ups with Turkey's educational institution. Many travel websites are cancelling or not accepting Turkey itineraries. This is expected to hit the nation that earns 12 per cent of its revenue through tourism.
New Indian Express
15-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Turkish firm loses security clearance amid backlash against Turkey following support to Pakistan
The Turkish firm that handles services at nine major airports in India lost its security clearance following Turkey's support to Pakistan over Operation Sindoor. Celebi Ground Handling India Private Limited, a Turkey-based company had its security clearance revoked with immediate effect following an order from the Civil Aviation Ministry. In its order, the ministry said that the service is being revoked 'in the interest of national security.' The company handles baggage clearance in nine airports, including Mumbai and Bengaluru. Turkey shares close links with Pakistan through trade banking and tourism. The military of all three nations are also dependent on each other. Following Operation Sindoor, Turkey was found to have offered more than just verbal support. A large number of drones used against India were identified as Turkey-made - the Asisguard SONGAR and the Bayraktar TB2, an unmanned combat aerial vehicle. Ahead of Operation Sindoor, a Turkish warship had docked in Karachi, followed shortly by the landing of a Turkish Air Force C-130 in the city. After Turkey offered support for Pakistan, the nation has been facing a massive backlash, including crack down on trade and tourism. Following the incident, Indian tourists are canceling trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan in large numbers to both Turkey and Azerbaijan. As per data provided by leading travel portal MakeMyTrip (MMT), bookings for Azerbaijan and Turkey have come down by 60%, while cancellations have increased by 250% in the past one week. On Wednesday, Jawaharlal Nehru University had cancelled tie-ups with Turkey's educational institution. Many travel websites are cancelling or not accepting Turkey itineraries. This is expected to hit the nation that earns 12 per cent of its revenue through tourism.
