(Image source from: Facebook.com/celebiaviation)
The Turkish company responsible for a significant portion of services at nine major airports in India has had its security authorization revoked due to Turkey's backing of Pakistan regarding Operation Sindoor. An announcement from the Civil Aviation Ministry this evening stated that the security clearance for Celebi Ground Handling India Private Limited "is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of national security." Additionally, the Delhi airport has terminated its relationship with Çelebi, which, through its affiliate Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India, manages cargo operations at Delhi International Airport. This marks India's first explicit action against a Turkish firm, although in recent years, the government has intensified its dealings with traditional adversaries of Turkey, including Greece, Armenia, Cyprus, and the Arab nations of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
In their reply, Celebi Aviation emphasized that it is "a global enterprise with a history exceeding 65 years in aviation services, providing ground handling and cargo operations across three continents and six nations." The company further stated, "As clearly demonstrated, Celebi's operations in India are genuinely an Indian initiative, directed and managed by Indian professionals who are significantly invested in the nation and dedicated to its development. We are not a Turkish organization by any criteria and are in full compliance with globally recognized standards of corporate governance, transparency, and neutrality, maintaining no political affiliations or connections to any foreign governments or individuals." Junior Civil Aviation Minister Murlidhar Mohol remarked, "Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd is a Turkey-based firm that provides ground services at various airports throughout the country. Turkey has openly supported Pakistan. Given the current context, this has become a matter of national security. In light of security concerns, Celebi has been banned in India."
Turkey maintains close ties with Pakistan alongside Azerbaijan through commerce, banking, and tourism, with military reliance among all three nations. This time, Turkey has not only verbally supported Pakistan following India's targeted strikes on terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, but it has also been revealed that many drones used in an assault on India on the night of May 8 were Turkey-manufactured units like the Asisguard SONGAR and the Bayraktar TB2 combat drone. A Turkish warship arrived in Karachi just before Operation Sindoor commenced, and shortly thereafter, a Turkish Air Force C-130 landed in the city.
Turkey is currently facing significant backlash for its support of Pakistan, leading to reductions in trade and tourism. Indian travelers are canceling their trips to Turkey amid a "Boycott Turkey" movement, which encompasses Turkish products, gaining traction on social media. In recent days, several major universities in India, including Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University, have ended partnerships and programs with Turkish educational institutions. Various trade groups and tour operators are advocating for a boycott of Turkey.
Numerous travel platforms are currently discontinuing or refusing to accept itineraries for Turkey, a decision anticipated to adversely affect a nation that relies on tourism for twelve percent of its income. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) is considering terminating all trade agreements with Turkey. The CAIT is scheduled to convene in New Delhi tomorrow to deliberate on a total trade boycott against Turkey and Azerbaijan. This organization has already initiated a comparable campaign targeting China. Celebi Aviation operates with two distinct divisions: Celebi Airport Services India, responsible for ground handling, and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India, which manages cargo operations at Delhi International Airport. The former conducts numerous high-security functions essential for the safe and smooth operation of airport activities. These functions encompass ramp services that guide aircraft on the ground, managing load control and flight operations to maintain the proper balance of the aircraft, and overseeing bridge operations that connect passenger boarding bridges with the planes. Additionally, the company provides cargo and postal services as well as warehouse management.
