Why Did India Revoked Security Clearance for Turkish Airport Services? The Tensions Explained!
Security Clearance Revoked Amid Rising Tensions
New Delhi: The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has taken the significant step of revoking the security clearance for Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, a Turkish firm, citing national security concerns. This decision follows Turkey's recent support for Pakistan and its criticism of India's military actions against terrorist camps in the region.
Celebi has been a player in the Indian aviation market for over 15 years, employing more than 10,000 individuals and providing services at nine airports across the country.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu emphasized that the safety of the public and national interests are of utmost importance and cannot be compromised.
In an official order, BCAS stated, "The security clearance for Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd is revoked immediately in the interest of national security." This clearance had initially been granted in November 2022.
Celebi is responsible for managing approximately 58,000 flights and handling 540,000 tonnes of cargo annually in India, operating at major airports including Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore.
This action by BCAS comes in light of Turkey's backing of Pakistan and its condemnation of India's operations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under 'Operation Sindoor'. Additionally, Turkey has been noted for supplying drones to Pakistan during military conflicts with India.
Calls for a boycott of Turkish products and tourism have emerged in response to Turkey's stance, with some travel agencies advising against visiting Turkey.
In response, Celebi Aviation India has asserted its compliance with Indian aviation regulations and its commitment to transparency, denying any allegations regarding its ownership and operations.
The company stated, "We are not a Turkish organization by any standard and adhere fully to globally accepted practices of corporate governance, transparency, and neutrality, with no political affiliations or links to any foreign government or individuals."
Celebi provides a range of services including passenger handling, load control, flight operations, and cargo management.
A former Celebi official indicated that the revocation of security clearance would significantly impact the company, as India is its second-largest revenue source after Turkey.
In related news, the Delhi airport operator DIAL has officially terminated its partnership with Celebi for ground handling and cargo operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt Ltd were responsible for ground handling and cargo terminal operations, respectively.
Celebi Aviation India has clarified that it is 65% owned by international institutional investors from various countries, including Canada, the US, and the UK.
Actera Partners II LP, a fund registered in Jersey, holds a 50% stake in Celebi Havacilik Holding A.S., while the remaining 15% is owned by Alpha Airport Services BV, a Dutch entity.
The Turkish ownership is limited to the founding Çelebioglu family members, each holding a 17.5% stake. The company was established in 1958 as Turkey's first independent ground handling service provider, with no political ties.
An industry expert noted that airports typically have multiple ground handling service providers, with Celebi being one of several major players in India, alongside AI Airport Services Ltd and Bird Worldwide Flight Services Pvt Ltd.