India cancels security clearance of Çelebi’s India unit over ‘national security’ concerns; company claims it is ‘not a Turkish entity’

In a major development, the Indian government has withdrawn the security clearance of Çelebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, the local arm of Turkey-based Çelebi Aviation Holding. The decision, driven by national security considerations, puts a halt to the company’s operations at several of India’s busiest airports, including those in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai.

Çelebi’s Presence in India

Çelebi Aviation entered the Indian market in 2008 and has since established itself as a key player in airport ground handling and cargo services. The company operates at nine major Indian airports and employs nearly 8,000 people. Its Indian business is significant, accounting for around 25% of Çelebi’s global revenues. Annually, it handles tens of thousands of flights and substantial cargo volumes, making it a critical part of the country’s aviation infrastructure.

Why Was the Clearance Revoked?

The move to revoke Çelebi’s clearance follows growing concern over Turkey’s geopolitical posture, particularly its support for Pakistan. According to intelligence reports, Turkish authorities have provided military support to Pakistan, including drones, some of which were allegedly used in recent attacks targeting Indian territory. These developments came in the context of India’s Operation Sindoor, aimed at countering cross-border threats.

Beyond military concerns, Indian agencies have raised red flags about Turkey allegedly becoming a hub for anti-India activities. Intelligence sources suggest Turkey is actively promoting narratives against India and backing organizations linked to Pakistan’s intelligence apparatus, the ISI.

Company’s Reaction

In response, Çelebi has distanced itself from the controversy, stating that it is not a Turkish-controlled organization in the operational sense and operates independently in India. The company expressed its willingness to cooperate with Indian authorities and emphasized its long-standing commitment to serving Indian airports while adhering to local laws and regulations.

Diplomatic Undercurrents

This decision reflects the broader strain in India-Turkey relations. Diplomatic tensions have escalated in recent years due to Turkey’s overt support for Pakistan on key international issues. Notably, Turkey has also imposed a ban on exporting defense equipment to India while strengthening its ties with Pakistan’s military.

This isn’t the first time Turkey’s presence in India has come under scrutiny. Indian intelligence has previously warned about Turkish influence operations that seek to polarize communities and support Islamist narratives with backing from Pakistani networks.

Potential Impact on Aviation Sector

Çelebi’s sudden exit from Indian airports could cause disruptions in ground handling and logistics, especially at high-traffic hubs. The government has said that it is working on alternate arrangements to ensure continuity of airport operations, but industry insiders suggest that a transition of this scale may cause temporary delays and service challenges.

Looking Ahead

India’s cancellation of Çelebi’s clearance sends a strong signal that national security will take precedence over business interests. As geopolitical tensions continue to shape policy decisions, the Indian government is expected to maintain a cautious stance on foreign companies, especially those with links to countries it sees as potential security threats.

The situation remains fluid, with both sides likely to engage further diplomatically and legally in the coming weeks.