On May 16, 2025, Celebi Airport Services India, a subsidiary of Turkey-based Celebi Aviation Holding, filed a case in the Delhi High Court challenging the Indian government’s revocation of its security clearance. The clearance, revoked by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on May 15, 2025, was cited as necessary “in the interest of national security” amid strained India-Turkey relations following Turkey’s support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Celebi argued that the decision was based on “vague” national security concerns without specific justification, impacting 3,791 jobs and investor confidence, and was issued without prior warning. The company emphasized that it is not Turkish-owned, with 65% of its parent firm held by institutional investors from Canada, the US, UK, Singapore, UAE, and Western Europe, and no ties to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s daughter, Sumeyye Erdogan Bayraktar. The case is likely to be heard on May 19, 2025.
This legal action follows significant backlash in India, including boycott calls and severed ties with airports like Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. Celebi, which handles ground and cargo operations at nine major Indian airports, denied political affiliations and highlighted its compliance with Indian regulations. The revocation has prompted airports to coordinate with alternative ground handlers like Air India SATS and Bird Group to ensure uninterrupted operations.
If you’re seeking more details on the court case, Operation Sindoor’s context, or related geopolitical tensions, let me know!