15 May 2025 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau): The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on Thursday revoked the security clearance for a Turkish airport ground handling company with immediate effect.
The move comes amid anger over Turkey siding with Pakistan in the recent escalation of tensions with India after the Pahalgam terror attack and New Delhi’s susequent ‘Operation Sindoor’.
“In the exercise of power conferred upon DG, BCAS, the security clearance in r/o Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of National Security,” the BCAS notification said.
Celebi had been contracted to handle ground operations at nine airports in India. These airport include big names like Delhi, Bombay, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa, Cochin, and Kannur. It provides ground handling as Çelebi Airport Services India and cargo services as Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India at Delhi.
It is a major move by the authorities as the firm is responsible for handling 58,000 flights throughout the country annually. It is responsible for passenger services, load control, flight operations, cargo and postal services, warehouses and bridge operations.
Shiv Sena’s call against the Turkish firm
Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) held a protest at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai on Tuesday, demanding that airport authorities cut their ties with Celebi.
The protest was led by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, who criticised Turkey for extending its support to Pakistan during the recent tensions with India.
“Under the leadership of Eknath Shinde, we will work to shut down all (Turkish) companies operating in Mumbai. Earning money from India and using it to help Pakistan is not going to work in Maharashtra,” Murji Patel said.
Patel stated that Shiv Sena will start a ‘Ugr Andolan’ if the airport authorities do not cut their ties with the Turkish firm.
“We have given them 10 days to take action. Otherwise, we will start the ‘Ugr Andolan’ at Mumbai Airport with 10,000 people.”
Summary: India revokes security clearance of Turkish firm Celebi over national security concerns amid Turkey’s support for Pakistan.