India Revokes Security Clearance For Turkey's Celebi Airport Services Amid Calls For Boycott

Celebi Aviation is responsible for critical operations at several major Indian airports. The Turkish-origin company specialises in integrated ground handling services. 

India revokes security clearance for Turkish airport ground handling company Celebi.

Source : Pixabay

The government on Thursday revoked the security clearance for Turkish ground handling company Celebi Airport Services with immediate effect amid a massive outrage in India for Turkey's support for Pakistan during the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. 

The decision came days after Turkiye backed Islamabad and condemned India's recent strikes on terror camps in Pakistan.

Celebi Aviation is responsible for critical operations at several major Indian airports. The Turkish-origin company specialises in integrated ground handling services. 

"The security clearance in r/o Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd, under the category Ground Handling Agency was approved by DG, BCAS vide letter no. 15/99/2022-Delhi-BCAS/E-219110 dated 21.11.2022," a government statement said.

"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 statement added.

Turkiye and Azerbaijan backed Pakistan and condemned India's recent strikes on terror camps in that country and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor.

Pakistan also used Turkish drones on a large scale in the conflict. There have been calls in the country calling for boycott Turkish goods and tourism in the wake of Turkiye backing Islamabad and condemning India's recent strikes on terror camps in Pakistan. Some online travel portals and associations have also issued advisories asking people not to visit Turkiye. 

Celebi Airport Services And Its Operations In India

Celebi Airport Services is a Turkish firms that provides ground handling services to various International and Domestic Airlines operating out of Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Bangalore, Kannur and Hyderabad airports.

Founded in 1958 as Turkey's first privately-owned ground handling firm, the company has grown into a global aviation services provider offering ramp handling, passenger and cargo operations, warehouse management, bridge operations, general aviation, and premium airport lounge services.

Currently it has over 15,000 employees and operates across 3 continents, 6 countries, and at 70 stations worldwide. The company is engaged in ground handling services, general aviation services, bridge mounted equipment services and handles more than than 28,500 flights every year.

Within a year, Celebi was registered in India to provide ground handling as Celebi Airport Services India and cargo services as Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India at Delhi International Airport, the website said.