The Indian government has revoked the security clearance of Turkish aviation services company Çelebi Aviation Holding, citing national security concerns. This decision has led to significant operational and financial repercussions for the company and has further strained India-Turkey relations.
Çelebi Aviation Holding, a Turkish ground handling company, has been operating in India since 2008, providing services at major airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Ahmedabad, Mopa (Goa), and Kannur. The company handles over 58,000 flights and 540,000 tonnes of cargo annually, employing approximately 7,800 staff in India.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked Çelebi’s security clearance on grounds of national security. This action followed Turkey’s public support for Pakistan during heightened geopolitical tensions, including Turkey’s alleged provision of drones and military support to Pakistan, some of which were reportedly used in drone attacks against India on May 8. The Indian government has not disclosed specific intelligence inputs but emphasized the precautionary nature of the decision.
Legal Challenge
Çelebi has filed a legal petition in the Delhi High Court challenging the revocation, arguing that the decision lacks specific justification and threatens nearly 3,800 jobs as well as investor confidence. The company contends that it is a private entity, not state-controlled, with 65% of its shares held by global investors, and thus should not be penalized for Turkey’s political stance. The Delhi High Court has sought justification from the government for revoking Çelebi’s license without prior notice and has scheduled the next hearing for May 21.
Following the revocation, Çelebi’s shares plummeted by 20% over two trading sessions on the Istanbul Stock Exchange, erasing nearly $200 million in shareholder value and slashing a third of the company’s global revenue. Major Indian airports in Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad have terminated their contracts with Çelebi, ensuring a seamless transition of operations and continuity for current employees affected by the change.
The revocation of Çelebi’s security clearance is part of a broader backlash against Turkey in India, including public boycott campaigns, cancellation of travel itineraries, suspension of academic ties, and planned trade boycotts led by groups like the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). The diplomatic rift signals increasing strain between India and Turkey over geopolitical alignments.
