Why BCAS Cancelled Celebi Aviation India’s Security Clearance | Full Explanation

BCAS revokes Celebi Aviation India’s security clearance over national security concerns after Turkey supports Pakistan post Operation Sindoor. Full story here.

New Delhi, May 16 – In a major move that has sent ripples through India’s aviation industry, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has revoked the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, the Indian arm of Turkish aviation giant Çelebi Aviation. The decision, announced on May 15, comes just days after Turkey publicly supported Pakistan following India’s Operation Sindoor—a targeted strike on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The revocation, citing “national security interests,” marks a significant geopolitical shift with deep implications for aviation services in India.

What is Celebi Aviation? A Brief Overview

Founded in 1958, Çelebi Aviation is the first privately-owned ground handling company in Turkey. Over the years, it has expanded its footprint to 70 stations across the globe, offering a wide range of services including:

• Passenger handling
• Ramp operations
• Cargo and postal services
• Warehouse management
• Wheelchair and special assistance
• Airport lounge and bridge operations

Çelebi made its foray into India through a joint venture at Mumbai International Airport, eventually establishing Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management Pvt Ltd.

The company currently operates across nine major Indian airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Cochin, Kannur, Goa (GOX) and Ahmedabad.

Why Did BCAS Cancel Celebi’s Security Clearance?

In an official order dated May 15, the BCAS stated:

“…the security clearance in r/o Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of national security.”

This drastic step follows recent geopolitical developments in South Asia. After India conducted precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK under Operation Sindoor, both Turkey and Azerbaijan issued statements supporting Pakistan and condemned India’s actions.

Turkey’s increasing military and diplomatic alignment with Pakistan—reportedly including the supply of Turkish drones used by Pakistan—has raised alarms in Indian strategic circles.

Amid this backdrop, India’s aviation watchdog appears to have acted swiftly to protect critical airport infrastructure from any potential risk linked to foreign entities with political affiliations.

Delhi Airport Ends Ties with Celebi

Following the BCAS directive, Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) has officially terminated its contract with Celebi. In a statement, DIAL assured passengers and airlines of uninterrupted operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport, one of the busiest in the country.

Other airports where Celebi operates are also likely to review their agreements in the coming days.

What Does Celebi Do in India?

Celebi’s operations in India span a wide array of ground handling and cargo management services. These include:

• Passenger check-in and boarding
• Baggage handling
• Aircraft loading/unloading
• Flight operations and load control
• Ramp and pushback services
• Cargo warehousing
• General aviation services

In recent years, Celebi had also announced plans to invest around $80 million in India over the next four years to expand its services and infrastructure footprint.

Celebi India Responds: “We Are Not a Turkish Organisation”

Reacting to the revocation, Celebi Aviation India rejected allegations of any political affiliations or foreign influence. In a strongly worded statement, the company said:

“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.”

The company added that it remains committed to India’s aviation sector and is confident that “facts, transparency, and common sense will prevail over misinformation.”

However, the company did not comment directly on the BCAS order.

What’s Next for Celebi and India’s Aviation Industry?

The sudden removal of a key ground handling partner raises questions about operational continuity, especially at high-traffic airports like Delhi and Mumbai. However, aviation authorities and airport operators have reassured stakeholders that backup arrangements are in place.

Meanwhile, industry analysts believe this move could open doors for Indian or neutral foreign ground handling firms, creating opportunities for local employment and investment.

Geopolitically, the decision sends a clear signal: India will prioritize national interest over business ties, particularly with countries seen as supporting hostile neighbors.

Public Sentiment & Economic Ramifications

In the wake of Turkey’s support for Pakistan, there has been a growing call among Indian citizens and social groups to boycott Turkish goods, services, and tourism. Some online travel platforms have even issued advisories urging Indians to avoid Turkey as a travel destination.

The cancellation of Celebi’s clearance is likely to add fuel to this sentiment, further straining India-Turkey bilateral ties.

The BCAS’s decision to revoke the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India marks a critical turning point in the interplay between business, security, and foreign policy. While Celebi has played a significant role in India’s aviation services for over a decade, current geopolitical realities have pushed India to act decisively in favor of national interest.

As the aviation industry recalibrates, the move may also lead to greater emphasis on self-reliant and politically neutral service providers, ensuring that India’s skies remain safe and secure—both on the tarmac and in the larger strategic arena.