In a swift and coordinated response to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security’s (BCAS) latest directive, a few of India’s main airports — together with Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and others — have terminated all floor dealing with agreements with Çelebi Airport Services India Ltd. The transfer comes days after the Union Civil Aviation Ministry formally revoked Çelebi’s safety clearance, citing national security concerns.
This motion follows rising diplomatic tensions after Turkiye and Azerbaijan expressed political assist for Pakistan amid the latest Pahalgam terror assault and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor. The choice to revoke safety clearance and terminate ties with Çelebi — a Turkish-origin aviation providers firm — has emerged as a major fallout in India’s financial response to the geopolitical developments.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Worldwide Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai and the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Worldwide Airport (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad, each managed by Adani Airport Holdings, issued a joint assertion confirming the termination of Çelebi’s floor dealing with concession. The airports emphasised that operations would stay unaffected, with all present Çelebi workers being absorbed underneath new dealing with companies with out disruption in service or employment phrases.
“Following the Authorities of India’s determination to revoke Celebi‘s safety clearance, we now have terminated the bottom dealing with concession agreements with Celebi… to make sure uninterrupted operations,” mentioned the official assertion. “We’re absolutely dedicated to upholding the very best requirements of service and nationwide curiosity.”
Delhi Worldwide Airport Restricted (DIAL) echoed an identical stance. In its press launch, DIAL confirmed it had ended its affiliation with each Çelebi Airport Providers India Pvt. Ltd. and Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Administration India Pvt. Ltd. The airport is now coordinating with alternate suppliers — AISATS and Chicken Group — to keep up continuity in floor and cargo dealing with providers.
“All workers at the moment employed by Çelebi shall be transitioned to the brand new employers with their present employment phrases,” DIAL said.
Celebi responds to allegations
Going through mounting stress and widespread requires a boycott on social media, Çelebi Aviation India launched a clarification distancing itself from Turkish politics. “We aren’t a Turkish organisation by any commonplace,” the corporate claimed, asserting its company neutrality.
It detailed its possession construction, explaining that 65% of the corporate is held by institutional traders from Canada, the U.S., the U.Ok., Singapore, UAE, and Western Europe. The bulk shareholder, Actera Companions II L.P., is registered in Jersey, whereas 15% is owned by a Dutch entity, Alpha Airport Providers BV.
Regardless of this clarification, sentiment inside India’s journey ecosystem has not shifted considerably in Çelebi’s favor.
The termination aligns with a broader nationwide sentiment in opposition to Turkish-linked firms, stemming from Turkey’s vocal assist for Pakistan in latest geopolitical disputes. A number of journey commerce associations have additionally issued appeals urging a boycott of Turkish and Azerbaijani journey merchandise, warning that financial ties shouldn’t override nationwide safety considerations.
Çelebi operates throughout 9 airports in India — together with Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa, Cochin, Kannur, and Chennai — with the very best footprint in Mumbai, the place it beforehand managed 70% of floor operations.
The choice to finish Çelebi’s operations in India’s key airports is being interpreted by commerce consultants as a robust diplomatic sign wrapped in industrial enforcement. Because the aviation business prepares for a summer season rush and post-election journey growth, the fast restructuring can be being seen as a take a look at of India’s airport resilience.
Making certain operational continuity
Each Adani Group-managed and GMR Group-managed airports have reassured passengers and airline stakeholders that the transition to new floor handlers is not going to have an effect on providers. The incoming service suppliers, all pre-vetted by respective airport operators, are anticipated to keep up efficiency ranges and minimise disruption.
The bulletins come at a time when India’s aviation infrastructure is increasing quickly. GMR Airports Ltd., which operates Delhi, Hyderabad, and Goa airports, just lately recorded over 121 million passengers in FY24. Clean continuity of floor providers amid political turmoil showcases the rising maturity of India’s aviation ecosystem.
