Indian Govt Strips Turkish Firm Celebi of Airport Security Clearance

New Delhi : The Government of India has revoked the security clearance of Turkish ground handling company Çelebi Airport Services India Private Limited with immediate effect. The decision was formalized through an order issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which stated that the clearance had been withdrawn in the interest of national security.

Çelebi had received its security clearance from the BCAS Director General in November 2022. The company has been providing a wide range of airport services across India, including passenger and flight operations handling, cargo and postal services, aerobridge management, and warehouse operations. Its services were spread across key airports in nine cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa, Cochin, and Kannur.

Following the revocation, the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has formally terminated its engagement with Çelebi entities responsible for ground handling and cargo operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), one of the busiest airports in the country.

To ensure uninterrupted airport operations, DIAL has initiated coordination with its existing Ground Handling service partners — AISATS and Bird Group — to fill the operational gap left by Çelebi’s exit. In terms of cargo handling, DIAL is actively working to onboard one of the pre-approved cargo service providers to maintain smooth logistical functions at the airport.

In a move aimed at protecting employees from the impact of the sudden decision, DIAL has assured that all workers currently employed under Çelebi entities for cargo and ground services at IGIA will be absorbed by the incoming service providers. These employees will be retained under their existing terms and conditions, ensuring continuity in employment and minimizing disruption to their livelihoods.

The government’s decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of foreign entities operating in sensitive infrastructure sectors. While no specific threat or incident has been cited publicly, the emphasis on “national security” suggests strategic or intelligence-related concerns that prompted the move.