All you need to know about Celebi Aviation’s Revocation in India

Introduction

The Indian revocation of Celebi Aviation security clearance on May 15, 2025, is a strong statement of national security. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) suddenly revoked clearance for Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, an affiliate of Turkey-based Celebi Aviation, in the name of “national interests” in the face of growing diplomatic tension. The strong action immediately grounded operations in nine major airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai, and has sparked intense debate regarding balancing commercial stability with security.

Context – Why It Is Occurring

India’s move is prompted by increasing geopolitical tensions with Turkey. Once India conducted Operation Sindoor on May 8, 2025, to neutralize terror camps in Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir, Turkey openly backed Pakistan and provided drones subsequently employed against Indian troops. The Indian government considered a company with Turkish origins to be a vulnerability.

Established in 1958, Celebi Aviation was the first to introduce private ground handling in Turkey and entered into India in 2008 through a joint venture at Mumbai Airport. It has since grown to 9 airports, where it offers services from passenger check-in to cargo handling. BCAS invoked “national security” and “interest of national sovereignty” in withdrawing clearance—a message loud and clear that strategic interests now take precedence over long-standing commercial relationships.

Real‑World Impact

The initial impact has been dramatic. Celebi Aviation managed about 65–70 percent of India’s ground operations, across 58,000 flights and 540,000 tonnes of cargo annually. Without its clearance, airports rushed to transfer services to operators such as AI Airport Services, Air India SATS, and the Bird Group.

At Delhi, DIAL acted quickly to induct AISATS and the Bird Group, whereas Adani Airport Holdings cut its link at Mumbai and Ahmedabad, shifting facilities to new agencies. Governments have made efforts to relocate more than 10,000 impacted jobs to partnering agencies to prevent the loss of employment. However, passengers have experienced delays and ambiguity, and airport operators are under pressure to provide uninterrupted services in the midst of this speedy process. Çelebi Hava Servisi A.S.’s stock price was significantly impacted in the Istanbul Stock Exchange (Borsa Istanbul) after India revoked the security clearance for its Indian subsidiary, Çelebi Aviation India. The shares fall by approximately 10% on May 15.

Public Sentiment

Indian public reaction has been strongly in favor, marking a tide of patriotic feelings. Requests for boycotting Turkish goods and calling off trips to Turkey have trended on social media. A post by A User on X was widely shared, quoting MoS for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol as observing that “requests poured in from all over India to ban Celebi Airport Services India Ltd.”

Nevertheless, there is a thread of concern. Industry watchers and frequent flyers are concerned about service standards and operational issues during this sudden transition. However, concerns remain regarding the well-being of transferred staff and the long‑term dependability of replacement ground handlers.

Expert’s Opinion

Aviation experts consider this cancellation as a risk taken. India has shown determination in safeguarding its airspace and key infrastructure on one hand, but on the other, experts advise that substituting a strong company with a responsibility for two-thirds of ground operations is no simple undertaking.

Legal experts foresee that Celebi may appeal the move in court on grounds that the action is against its Turkish ownership and not operational performance. National security provisions in Indian legislation, though, provide regulators with significant latitude, and any judicial relief may be limited.

vitt’s take..

_{(vitt – Where India Reads is a space for making Business and finance stories digestible and relevant to India’s digital generation.)}

The Celebi Aviation India security clearance cancellation is a powerful exercise of national sovereignty in the face of a growing tense geopolitical environment. Although, in the immediate term, interferences into ground handling operations have challenged airport resilience, the government’s ability to rapidly coordinate with alternative providers has avoided worst-case outcomes.

Down the line, the real test will be how seamlessly airports blend new agencies, ensure employee well-being, and uphold service excellence. India’s bold move could remake the way global aviation companies handle politically charged markets—and emphasize that, when national security is at stake, aggressive moves can rewrite the rules of engagement.

FAQ’s

What is Celebi in airport?

Celebi Aviation is a global ground handling services company providing passenger handling, cargo management, ramp services, and warehouse operations at airports worldwide. In India, it operated at nine major airports.

What is the salary of Celebi aviation?

Specific salary information is not publicly disclosed, but salaries for ground handling staff in India typically range from INR 20,000 to INR 50,000 per month, depending on the role and experience.

Is Celebi a good company?

Celebi Aviation is known for its extensive experience and high-quality services in the aviation industry. However, recent geopolitical events have impacted its operations in India.

Who is the owner of Celebi Aviation?

Celebi Aviation is majority-owned (65%) by international investors, including Actera Partners II L.P. (50%) and Alpha Airport Services BV (15%). The remaining 35% is held by the founding Çelebioğlu family from Turkey.

How many rounds are there in the Celebi interview?

Typically, the interview process for Celebi Aviation includes 2-3 rounds, consisting of initial screening, technical interviews, and HR interviews, depending on the position.

What is Celebi security?

Celebi security refers to the security clearance granted by the BCAS, which allows Celebi to operate in sensitive areas of airports, such as cargo and passenger terminals.

Which country made Celebi aviation?

Celebi Aviation is a Turkish company, founded in 1958, with global operations including in India since 2008.

What does Celebi do in India?

In India, Celebi provides ground handling services, cargo handling, warehouse management, and other airport-related services at nine major airports.

Why was Celebi’s security clearance revoked?

The revocation was due to national security concerns, specifically Turkey’s support for Pakistan during the India-Pakistan conflict following Operation Sindoor.

How many airports does Celebi operate in India?

Celebi operated at nine airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Goa, Cochin, and Kannur.

What is the impact on employees?

Efforts are being made to retain over 10,000 Celebi employees by transferring them to new ground handling agencies to ensure continuity of service.

Is there any connection between Celebi and the Turkish government?

Celebi Aviation states it has no political affiliations and is not linked to the Turkish government, with ownership primarily by international investors and the founding family.

For more such updates on Daily news, Business, startups and Loan Management subscribe to vitt – Where Bharat Reads….