By Kavita Mistry 
In a swift and coordinated response to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security’s (BCAS) recent directive, some of India’s leading airports — including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and others — have terminated all ground handling agreements with Çelebi Airport Services India Ltd. The move comes days after the Union Civil Aviation Ministry officially revoked Çelebi’s security clearance, citing national security concerns.
This action follows rising diplomatic tensions after Turkiye and Azerbaijan expressed political support for Pakistan amid the recent Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor. The decision to revoke security clearance and terminate ties with Çelebi — a Turkish-origin aviation services company — has emerged as a significant fallout in India’s economic response to the geopolitical developments.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai and the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad, both managed by Adani Airport Holdings, issued a joint statement confirming the termination of Çelebi’s ground handling concession. The airports emphasised that operations would remain unaffected, with all existing Çelebi employees being absorbed under new handling agencies without disruption in service or employment terms.
“Following the Government of India’s decision to revoke Celebi‘s security clearance, we have terminated the ground handling concession agreements with Celebi… to ensure uninterrupted operations,” said the official statement. “We are fully committed to upholding the highest standards of service and national interest.”
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) echoed a similar stance. In its press release, DIAL confirmed it had ended its association with both Çelebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd. and Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt. Ltd. The airport is now coordinating with alternate providers — AISATS and Bird Group — to maintain continuity in ground and cargo handling services.
“All employees currently employed by Çelebi will be transitioned to the new employers with their existing employment terms,” DIAL stated.
Celebi responds to allegations
Facing mounting pressure and widespread calls for a boycott on social media, Çelebi Aviation India released a clarification distancing itself from Turkish politics. “We are not a Turkish organisation by any standard,” the company claimed, asserting its corporate neutrality.
It detailed its ownership structure, explaining that 65% of the company is held by institutional investors from Canada, the U.S., the U.K., Singapore, UAE, and Western Europe. The majority shareholder, Actera Partners II L.P., is registered in Jersey, while 15% is owned by a Dutch entity, Alpha Airport Services BV.
Despite this clarification, sentiment within India’s travel ecosystem has not shifted significantly in Çelebi’s favor.
The termination aligns with a broader national sentiment against Turkish-linked companies, stemming from Turkey’s vocal support for Pakistan in recent geopolitical disputes. Multiple travel trade associations have also issued appeals urging a boycott of Turkish and Azerbaijani travel products, warning that economic ties should not override national security concerns.
Çelebi operates across nine airports in India — including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa, Cochin, Kannur, and Chennai — with the highest footprint in Mumbai, where it previously managed 70% of ground operations.
The decision to end Çelebi’s operations in India’s key airports is being interpreted by trade experts as a powerful diplomatic signal wrapped in commercial enforcement. As the aviation industry prepares for a summer rush and post-election travel boom, the quick restructuring is also being seen as a test of India’s airport resilience.
Ensuring operational continuity
Both Adani Group-managed and GMR Group-managed airports have reassured passengers and airline stakeholders that the transition to new ground handlers will not affect services. The incoming service providers, all pre-vetted by respective airport operators, are expected to maintain performance levels and minimise disruption.
The announcements come at a time when India’s aviation infrastructure is expanding rapidly. GMR Airports Ltd., which operates Delhi, Hyderabad, and Goa airports, recently recorded over 121 million passengers in FY24. Smooth continuity of ground services amid political turmoil showcases the growing maturity of India’s aviation ecosystem.
