India Cancels Security Clearance of Çelebi’s India Unit Over National Security Concerns; Company Denies Turkish Affiliation

In a major move driven by national security concerns, India’s Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has revoked the security clearance of Çelebi Airport Services India, the local arm of Turkey-based Çelebi Aviation Holding, with immediate effect. The action comes amid rising public backlash following Turkey’s vocal support for Pakistan during the recent India-Pakistan conflict and the use of Turkish drones by Pakistan.

Despite its Turkish roots, Çelebi India defended itself, asserting it is an Indian-managed and Indian-led company with no political affiliations and “not a Turkish organisation by any standard.” The company emphasized that it is largely owned by international institutional investors from countries like the U.S., U.K., Canada, and the UAE, and denied widespread social media allegations linking it to Turkish President Erdoğan’s family.

The revocation is likely to disrupt airline ground operations at major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, where Çelebi operates. Following the order, Delhi Airport (DIAL) cut ties with Çelebi and is working with alternative ground handling firms to ensure continuity.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation reassured the public that passenger and cargo services will remain unaffected and said efforts are underway to transition affected employees to other service providers.

Çelebi stated it has invested $220 million in India and employs over 10,000 Indians, and reiterated its commitment to supporting India’s aviation growth while complying with all regulations.