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“National Interest and Public Safety Are Non-Negotiable” – Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu

Seamless Passenger and Cargo Handling Ensured at Affected Airports

New Delhi: In a firm and unprecedented move, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has revoked the security clearance of the Turkey-linked Celebi Airport Services and its associated companies on grounds relating to national security.

The decision to revoke Celebi’s security clearance is significant as it comes in the wake of Turkey’s open support to the terror sponsoring state of Pakistan during operation Sindoor launched by the Indian armed forces against the terrorists, their promoters and terror launch pads in Pakistan following the brutal gunning down of 26 innocent civilians by terrorists at Pahalgam in Kashmir.

Celebi Aviation, founded in 1958 as Turkey’s first private and independent ground handling company, has continued to boast of its Turkey, India, Germany, Hungary, Tanzania, and Indonesia network.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu issued a strong statement reiterating the government’s position:

“Nothing is above the security of our nation and our fellow citizens.”
“National interest and public safety are paramount and non-negotiable.”

Continuity of Services Assured

Despite the sweeping action, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has activated a comprehensive operational response.

“Arrangements have been made at all affected airports to ensure seamless handling of passengers and cargo,” the Minister said.

Naidu emphasized that the Ministry is working in active coordination with airport operators to manage the transition efficiently, without compromising service standards.

Protection of Workers a Priority

Addressing concerns over employee welfare, the Minister stated:

“Efforts are being made to ensure that employees working with Celebi are retained and continue to contribute.”

The Ministry has also deployed special operational teams across key airports to oversee logistics, mitigate disruptions, and respond to emerging issues in real time.

“Security Will Not Be Compromised”

“We will continue to uphold national security while ensuring ease of travel and cargo movement across the country,”
— Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Civil Aviation Minister

The decision marks a critical turning point in India’s civil aviation security policy, affirming that national security will not be compromised—even in the face of major logistical transitions.

Celebi’s Footprint in Indian Aviation: A Retrospective

Turkish aviation services provider Celebi embedded itself deeply in India’s civil aviation landscape by establishing its network in India during the Congress led UPA government led by Manmohan Singh. It evolved from a single joint venture into a multi-entity presence spread across the country’s busiest airports.

Timeline of Expansion

  • 2009: Celebi entered the Indian market through a joint venture at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
  • 2010: Within a year, Celebi registered two full-fledged Indian entities:
    • Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd., which had taken charge of ground handling operations, and
    • Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt. Ltd., assigned cargo operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.
  • 2011–2021: Over the next decade, Celebi progressively expanded its footprint, and by the early 2020s, it entrenched itself in India’s civil aviation ecosystem by extending its services to nine strategic airports: Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin, Kannur, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa (GOX), Ahmedabad, and Chennai. 

Operational Scope and Regulatory Framework

Celebi’s operations were being conducted under the Ground Handling Services Regulations laid out by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and overseen by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). 

The services provided by Celebi included:

  • Passenger Services
  • Load Control and Flight Operations
  • Ramp Services
  • General Aviation Services
  • Cargo and Postal Services
  • Warehouse Services
  • Bridge Operation

These services were integral to the functioning of domestic and international flight operations at India’s busiest airports.