Services at the Çelebi Airport Since more than a decade ago, India, which is the local branch of Turkey’s Çelebi Aviation, has been a significant provider of ground handling and cargo services at the busiest airports in India.
On the 15th of May, 2025, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) issued an order about the revocation of Çelebi’s security clearance, claiming the national security interests as the reason.
Airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Kannur, Chennai, and the Mopa facility in Goa all terminated their agreements with the company within a matter of hours.
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As a result of the suddenness of the decision, Çelebi decided to submit a petition to the Delhi High Court on May 16, contesting not only the federal government but also the private airport operators, including those who are managed by the Adani Group.
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Brief history
At the Mumbai airport, Çelebi initiated its activities in India in the year 2008, and a year later, it expanded its operations to Delhi. Through the years, it made significant investments in machinery, technology, and the education of its workers, and as a result, it is now able to offer its services at nine major airports.
International institutional investors and funds based outside of Turkey are among its shareholders, while the majority of its local management is comprised of individuals who are of Indian nationality.
Through his long-standing presence, Çelebi has made a significant contribution to the smoother processing of cargo, the efficient help of passengers, and the reliable turnaround times of planes.
It had been able to successfully renew its security clearance up until this point, with the most recent renewal occurring in November 2022. Prior to this, there had been no public issues regarding its compliance or performance.
Clearance to enter restricted areas revoked
It was stated in the BCAS decision that Çelebi’s clearance was withdrawn “in the interest of national security.” This order was issued in accordance with the authorities that were vested specifically in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation Security.
Neither the arguments nor the proof that were supposed to support the allegation were provided in the instruction. In its place, it made reference to broader geopolitical issues, such as Turkey’s recent alignment with Pakistan in regional conflicts and the reported use of drones manufactured in Turkey against Indian soldiers.
Airports were instructed to immediately discontinue all transactions with Çelebi and to transfer all of their equipment, staff rosters, and operational facilities to new service providers.
The Legal Controversy
One of the arguments that Çelebi makes in its petition to the Delhi High Court is that the order issued by the BCAS breaches the norms of natural justice. This is due to the fact that the company was not provided with any notice or an opportunity to react to the claims.
According to the filing, it is morally and legally unacceptable to make “vague” statements to national security without providing particular facts.
The company Çelebi is requesting that the revocation decision be immediately stayed, that its security clearance be restored, and that it be compensated for losses that have been suffered as a result of contract terminations.
The company places a strong emphasis on the negative impact that the situation has had on its almost 3,800 employees, many of whom have already been taken on by interim operators but are still concerned about their long-term employment prospects.
The Justification of the Government
Additionally, the BCAS and the Ministry of Civil Aviation have supported the decision by stating that it is essential for the protection of key infrastructure.
Statements from the minister and security agencies suggest to increased concerns over the access of foreign entities to key airport zones in the midst of growing regional tensions. Officials have declined to release secret facts, but statements from these institutions point to increased concerns.
In its stance, the government emphasizes the importance of taking precautions, stating that no commercial interest should be prioritized over the protection of the nation. The stance that has garnered support from political parties and public groups is that they consider Çelebi’s Turkish roots and Ankara’s apparent connection with India’s opponents to be causes for caution.
Resulting Effects on Airport Operations
A number of airports experienced disruptions in their ground handling and cargo operations as a result of the unexpected departure of Çelebi.
Within the span of twenty-four hours, interim handlers were recruited in order to guarantee that flight schedules and cargo operations would continue.
Rapid handovers of both personnel and equipment were required during the changeover process in Mumbai and Ahmedabad, both of which are locations where the Adani Group holds operational leases.
Some airlines reported experiencing small delays and logistical issues during the handover, despite the fact that airport authorities told them that operations would proceed without a hitch.
The incident brought to light the difficulties associated with replacing a service provider on short notice and prompted many to inquire about the importance of contingency planning for essential airport activities.
Concerns Regarding Employees and Investors
Because of the collapse of their employer’s contracts overnight, thousands of Çelebi employees were left in a state of uncertainty.
The operators of the airport have committed to keeping employees on the same terms as before, but employees are concerned about the continuity of their pay, benefits, and career opportunities. In the meantime, shareholders and potential investors of Çelebi have expressed their concern on the sudden regulatory move.
It is possible that the case would cause foreign investors to reevaluate their commitments in India’s aviation sector, which is a sector in which regulatory decisions can have immediate and catastrophic operational effects.
Legal professionals are warning that the uncertainty of security clearances could discourage future foreign direct investment in infrastructure that is subject to sensitive conditions.
In the context of geopolitics
At a time when relations between India and Turkey are already tense, the revocation comes at a time when Ankara’s support for Pakistan in bilateral disputes has heightened the tensions.
The public opinion in India has been increasingly antagonistic against Turkish businesses, and calls for boycotts have evolved as a result of claims that Pakistani forces had used Turkish drones without permission.
The broader tendency of scrutinizing foreign involvement in industries that are deemed essential to national security is reflected in India’s concentration on preserving its airports that are located throughout the country.
As a result, the story of Çelebi is situated at the confluence of commerce and geopolitics, serving as an example of how diplomatic alliances can have a ripple effect on commercial activities.
The Implications of Previous Cases and Policies
There have been instances in the past where India has canceled or rejected clearances to foreign companies due to security concerns.
However, the Çelebi case stands out due to its magnitude and its rapidity. Legal analysts believe that the decision handed down by the Delhi High Court will have a significant impact on the administrative law that governs the aviation industry.
Should a finding be made in favor of Çelebi, it may potentially compel increased transparency, specific criteria for security determinations, and uniformity in the procedures.
On the other hand, maintaining the revocation may be a confirmation of the government’s broad discretion in the name of security requirements. The future policy regarding foreign participation in airports, ports, and other essential infrastructure is likely to be influenced positively or negatively by either of the two outcomes.
The lawsuit filed by Çelebi Airport Services India against the government of India and airport operators brings to light the delicate balance that exists between the imperatives of national security and the requirement for an environment that is predictable and welcoming to investors.
As the Delhi High Court deliberates on the merits of Çelebi’s petition, the aviation industry is keeping a close eye on the proceedings.
The outcome of the verdict will not only determine the fate of Çelebi in India, but it will also serve as a signal to the international business community on the management of regulatory risks in India’s sensitive infrastructure fields.
Maintaining both security and procedural justice continues to be a difficult challenge in this day and age, when global tensions are rapidly increasing.
