After revoking the security clearance on Thursday, India ousted the Turkish airport ground handling company Çelebi Airport Services from major airports. Authorities have removed the company from operations at Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), and Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA). According to reports, authorities are expected to take similar action at other airports soon. The Turkish ground-handling firm operates in India through its subsidiary, Çelebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd. However, in a statement, the ground handling major said it was “unequivocally refuting” speculation on social media regarding the company’s control, and clarified that it has no connection to Sumeyye Erdogan, daughter of the Turkish President.
What Exactly Happened
The Centre on Thursday announced that the security clearance for Turkish ground handling firm Celebi Airport Services has been revoked with immediate effect. They said that the move was in the interest of national security. Officials said that the decision was taken in the interest of national security.
“The security clearance in r/o Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd, under the category Ground Handling Agency was approved by DG, BCAS vide letter no. 15/99/2022-Delhi-BCAS/E-219110 dated 21.11.2022. In the exercise of power conferred upon DG, BCAS, the security clearance in r/o Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of National Security. These issues with the approval of DG, BCAS,” said the government’s order.
Why Such A Move?
The government’s decision follows reports that the Pakistani army used Turkish drones against India in the conflict last week. Apart from this, Türkiye president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has openly come in support of Pakistan during the India-Pakistan tensions. Moreover, most of the drones used by Pakistan were Turkish-made.
Celebi’s Statement
Celebi Aviation India has unequivocally refuted all misleading and factually incorrect allegations circulating on social media regarding the company’s ownership and operations in India.
“We would like to place on record the facts surrounding our ownership structure and long-standing presence in the country. Çelebi Aviation India operates as a professionally governed, globally active aviation services company. Today, international institutional investors from countries such as Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Western Europe hold a 65% majority stake in the company. Actera Partners II L.P., a fund registered in Jersey, owns 50% of Çelebi Havacilik Holding AS. Alpha Airport Services BV, a Dutch-registered entity, holds the remaining 15%, Çelebi said in a statement.
Sumeyye Erdogen’s Involvement
The company “categorically reject the false claim” being propagated around Sumeyye, Turkish President Erdogan’s daughter, being a part owner in the company.
“For the record and in line with complete transparency, there is no one named Sumeyye owning any shareholding in the parent organisation. The Turkish shareholding is solely limited to members of the founding Celebioglu family; Mr. Can Celebioglu and Ms. Canan Celebioglu (each holding 17.5%), nor any individuals with the same. The company was originally established in 1958 by their father as Turkey’s first private and independent ground handling company. Both siblings have no political affiliations or associations of any kind,” the statement further said.
Will It Impact Airport Services
No, the services will not be impacted, as the airport authorities have stated that they have already arranged replacements to ensure seamless operations. Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports have released an official statement confirming this.
– “We will continue to provide seamless service to all airlines without disruptions through new ground handling agencies selected by us. All existing employees of Celebi at CSMIA and SVPIA will be transferred to the new ground handling agencies on their existing terms and conditions of employment.
Ground handling operations at our airports will remain unaffected. We are fully committed to upholding the highest standards of service and national interest.”
Celebi’s Operations In India
According to the company’s website, Çelebi began its operations in India through a joint venture, starting with services at Mumbai International Airport. Over the past 10 years, the company expanded its presence and now operates at nine airports across the country- Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin, Kannur, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa (GOX), Ahmedabad, and Chennai. Before its security clearance was revoked, Çelebi was handling 540,000 tons of cargo across 58,000 flights. At these airports, the company provided a range of services, including passenger handling, flight operations, load control, and ramp services to ensure smooth ground coordination. It also supported general aviation, cargo, and mail handling. Additionally, Çelebi managed warehouse operations and boarding bridge services, helping to ensure efficient airport operations for both passengers and cargo.
