Move against Celebi Ground Handling follows Turkey’s support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor; boycott Turkey sentiment grows in India
New Delhi, May 16:
In a significant move reflecting heightened national security concerns, the Government of India has revoked the security clearance of Celebi Ground Handling India Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Turkish aviation firm Celebi Aviation, which operates at nine major Indian airports.
The order, issued Thursday evening by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, said the clearance is revoked “with immediate effect in the interest of national security.” This marks India’s first direct action against a Turkish firm amid escalating diplomatic tensions.
Celebi also manages cargo operations at Delhi International Airport through a separate entity, Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India, which now faces contract termination.
Government Justifies Action
Speaking on the matter, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed that the decision stemmed from Turkey’s explicit support for Pakistan in the aftermath of India’s precision strikes under Operation Sindoor.
“Celebi is a Turkey-based company providing ground services at many Indian airports. Given Turkey’s open backing of Pakistan, this matter has become one of national security,” said Mohol.
Celebi Responds
In a formal statement, Celebi Aviation emphasized its neutral, professional standing, stating:
“Celebi’s Indian operations are fully run and managed by Indian professionals, with a strong local presence. We are not politically affiliated and adhere to global standards of governance and transparency.”
Despite this, the Indian government maintained that the origins and affiliations of the parent company warranted the revocation.
Turkey-Pakistan Nexus Raises Red Flags
India’s concerns were heightened after Turkish drones such as Asisguard SONGAR and Bayraktar TB2 were identified among those used during Pakistan’s attempted retaliation on May 8, following India’s airstrikes.
In addition, a Turkish warship docked in Karachi and a Turkish Air Force C-130 aircraft landed shortly before the start of Operation Sindoor, deepening suspicions of military cooperation between Ankara and Islamabad.
Nationwide Boycott Movement Intensifies
The move coincides with a growing public and institutional backlash against Turkey. Highlights include:
- Mass cancellations of trips to Turkey by Indian tourists.
- Universities like JNU have terminated academic partnerships with Turkish institutions.
- The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) is preparing to push for a total trade boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Major travel platforms such as EaseMyTrip and Ixigo have halted bookings to Turkey, which relies on tourism for 12% of its GDP.
What Celebi Does in India
Celebi operates two main entities:
- Celebi Airport Services India – Provides critical services like aircraft marshalling, ramp services, load control, flight ops, passenger bridge operations, and cargo handling.
- Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India – Manages cargo at Delhi International Airport.
Given the sensitive nature of these tasks, including access to aircraft and logistics data, India’s move is seen as a pre-emptive national security step.
Tags:
India-Turkey tensions, Celebi Aviation, Operation Sindoor, airport security, Pakistan drone attack, India-Pakistan conflict, Turkish drones, national security, Indian aviation policy, Boycott Turkey, Indian foreign policy, OperationSindoor,