Celebi Aviation Challenges India’s Security Clearance Revocation in Court
| 2025-05-16
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Turkey’s Celebi Aviation has filed a petition in Delhi High Court after India revoked its security clearance, citing national security concerns.
Court Petition Follows Sudden Clearance Revocation
Celebi Aviation filed its petition on 16 May 2025, contesting an order by India’s Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) which cancelled the company’s security clearance with immediate effect. The order, citing “national security” concerns, has led to a halt in the company’s services at nine major airports.
Celebi has operated in India’s aviation sector since 2008 and employs over 10,000 people nationwide. Its operations span key airports in cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. According to the firm’s website, it handles over 58,000 flights and 540,000 tonnes of cargo annually.
In its plea, Celebi criticised the government’s decision as lacking legal clarity. “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 stated in its court filing, as reported by Reuters.
Government Defends National Interest
The security clearance, initially granted to Celebi in November 2022, was revoked on 15 May 2025. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has defended the move as necessary for safeguarding national interests.
Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu said in a statement, “The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has revoked Celebi’s security clearance on grounds related to national security. Nothing is above the security of our nation and our fellow citizens. National interest and public safety are paramount and non-negotiable.”
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol added that the ministry acted in response to requests from across India, stating, “Recognising the seriousness of the issue and the call to protect national interests, we have taken cognizance of these requests.”
Diplomatic Backdrop and Operational Fallout
The revocation follows diplomatic tension between India and Turkey. Ankara recently voiced support for Pakistan following cross-border strikes by India on militant camps. Indian social media campaigns have called for a boycott of Turkish goods and services. The situation escalated after reports suggested that Turkish-manufactured drones were used by Pakistan during military operations, prompting further scrutiny of Turkish entities operating in India.
In response to the government’s action, Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) announced the termination of its agreements with Celebi for ground handling and cargo services at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Other airport operators, including Adani Airports, have followed suit.
“Following the Government of India’s decision to revoke Celebi’s security clearance, we have terminated the ground handling concession agreements with Celebi,” a spokesperson for Adani Airports said, according to CNBC-TV18.
Celebi Denies Allegations, Emphasises Compliance
Celebi has rejected any implication of misconduct or links to political figures. In a previous statement, the company said it operates “in full compliance with Indian aviation, national security, and tax regulations” and maintains “complete transparency” in its operations.
The company also denied media reports suggesting any association with Sümeyye Erdoğan, daughter of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, or her husband Selçuk Bayraktar, chairman of BAYKAR, the Turkish drone manufacturer allegedly linked to Pakistani operations.
Operational Continuity and Employee Concerns
Despite the contract terminations, airport authorities have assured the public that operations will not be disrupted. Major Indian airports typically employ multiple ground handling service providers, allowing for operational flexibility.
In Delhi, Bird Flight Services and Air India SATS Airport Services continue to offer services. Bengaluru is served by GlobeGround India and AISATS, while Kochi relies on providers such as Agile, AI Airport Services Ltd, and Bird.
The Indian government has also indicated that measures will be taken to safeguard the jobs of Celebi employees. Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated that efforts are underway to ensure the continued handling of passenger and cargo services and to retain affected personnel.
Context:
The case highlights the growing intersection of international geopolitics and domestic economic policy in India. While security concerns remain central to the government’s decision, the episode has raised questions among business and legal circles about the process and implications of such revocations.
India’s aviation sector has witnessed rapid expansion in recent years, with increasing foreign investment and private sector participation. However, evolving geopolitical alliances—particularly in the context of South Asia’s fragile security landscape—have prompted the Indian government to take a more cautious approach toward foreign involvement in critical infrastructure sectors.
Celebi’s legal challenge may set a precedent for how national security considerations are balanced with economic interests and investor confidence in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.
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