The Union government on Thursday (May 15) revoked the security clearance of Turkish firm Celebi at nine major airports in the country in the “interest of national security” after Turkey supported Pakistan during India’s Operation Sindoor.
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The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the security wing of the civil aviation ministry, in an order, said, “In the 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.”
Which are the 9 airports?
Celebi Airport Services Ltd takes care of ground handling services at nine airports in India – Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Cochin, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kannur, Ahmedabad, and Goa (MOPA airport).
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In a statement, Celebi said it is “truly an Indian enterprise”. “Çelebi’s business in India is truly an Indian enterprise, led and managed by Indian professionals, deeply invested in the country, and committed to its growth. We are not a Turkish organisation by any standard and adhere fully to globally accepted practices of corporate governance, transparency, and neutrality, with no political affiliations or links to any foreign government or individuals.”
Delhi airport operator DIAL on Thursday said it has formally ended its association with Celebi for ground handling and cargo operations after aviation watchdog BCAS revoked the company’s security clearance.
Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt Ltd. were overseeing ground handling and cargo terminal functions, respectively.
What next for Celebi employees
DIAL said that in compliance with the BCAS directive, it has formally ended its association with Celebi entities responsible for ground handling and cargo operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA).
“Following the termination, DIAL is working closely with existing service providers to ensure uninterrupted operations while safeguarding employee welfare,” Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) said in a statement.
DIAL added that Celebi employees would be transitioned to new employers immediately. “To ensure seamless operations, we are actively coordinating with our existing service partners and a pre-approved cargo handler. Importantly, all current Çelebi employees involved in these services will be transitioned to the new employers immediately without any changes to their terms and conditions of employment. DIAL remains committed to operational excellence and workforce stability at IGI Airport.”