Indothai Replaces Celebi at Mumbai Airport After Security Clearance Revoked
| 2025-05-16
Representative Image
India's Indothai takes over ground handling at Mumbai Airport from Turkish firm Celebi after security clearance revoked by aviation authorities.
A major shift in airport ground handling services is underway at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), where Indian company Indothai has taken over from Turkish operator Celebi after the latter lost its security clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
Indothai, which is headquartered in Kolkata and currently operates at several airports across India, has received formal approval from BCAS to begin operations in Mumbai. The handover follows an official agreement between the government and Indothai, aimed at ensuring uninterrupted airport services and full compliance with India’s aviation security protocols.
According to Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), the transition involves the transfer of nearly 3,000 Celebi employees to Indothai. These employees are engaged in critical functions such as passenger handling, cargo management, load control, warehouse operations, and aerobridge services.
“All existing employees of Celebi at CSMIA will be transferred to Indo Thai Airport Services on their existing terms and conditions of employment,” said a spokesperson for Mumbai Airport. “This will ensure no loss of employment and continued service delivery to airline partners.”
In addition to workforce transfer, all ground handling equipment currently owned by Celebi at Mumbai Airport will be leased to Indothai. The objective is to maintain continuity of service while meeting existing service level agreements with airlines.
The move comes after BCAS withdrew security clearance for Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Turkey-based Çelebi Aviation Holding. While Indian authorities have not officially stated the reason, multiple reports indicate that the decision followed diplomatic tensions, including Turkey’s expression of support for Pakistan.
Adani Airport Holdings, which manages Mumbai Airport, confirmed it had terminated its ground handling concession agreements with Celebi for both Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports. “Following the government of India’s decision to revoke Celebi’s security clearance, we have directed the company to immediately hand over all ground handling facilities,” an Adani spokesperson said.
Celebi has operated in India for over a decade, managing approximately 70% of ground handling services at Mumbai Airport and providing support at eight other major Indian airports, including Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. The company handles approximately 58,000 flights and over half a million tonnes of cargo annually across India.
In a filing seen by Reuters, Celebi Airport Services India asked the Delhi High Court to overturn the government's decision, arguing that it affects nearly 3,800 jobs and was issued without prior warning. “Mere rhetoric of national security without elaborating upon in what manner is an entity a threat to national security is unsustainable in law,” the company said in its court submission.
Interim Measures and Future Plans
As part of its response, BCAS has extended the validity of existing Airport Entry Permits (AEPs) for Celebi staff at CSMIA until 19 May, allowing time for the issuance of new permits under Indothai’s name.
Indothai will serve as the interim ground handler at Mumbai Airport for the next three months. During this period, MIAL will initiate a Request for Proposal (RFP) to select a long-term service provider.
A joint meeting was held with all affected airlines to ensure a seamless transition. “We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of service for passengers and airlines, protecting employee welfare, and serving the national interest,” MIAL said in a statement.
Context
The replacement of Celebi with Indothai at Mumbai Airport marks a significant development in India’s civil aviation sector, reflecting heightened scrutiny over foreign involvement in strategic infrastructure.
While Mumbai is the only location where Indothai has been brought in as a direct replacement, Celebi’s operations at other Indian airports are being absorbed by existing ground handling firms such as AISATS, AISAL, and Bird Worldwide Flight Services.
Founded in 2010, Indothai began with a concession agreement from the Airports Authority of India and has since expanded its footprint across the country. The company is known for its adherence to service standards and operational efficiency at regional airports including Kolkata, Pune, and Varanasi.
As India’s aviation sector continues to grow rapidly, the transition at one of its busiest international airports is being closely watched for its implications on workforce stability, foreign investment confidence, and national security policy in critical infrastructure.
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