India Withdraws Security Clearance for Turkey’s Celebi Airport Services

In the aftermath of increasing calls to exclude Turkish businesses following Ankara's self-declared pro-Pakistan posture, the Indian government on Thursday legally revoked the security clearance provided to Turkish firm Celebi Airport Services for ground handling activities at several Indian airports.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation also issued a proper notification announcing the decision: "In exercise of power vested with DG, BCAS, security clearance in Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd is hereby withdrawn with immediate effect in the interest of National Security."

Celebi has a major role to play at Mumbai airport, overseeing a wide range of operations including passenger handling, flight management, cargo and postal services, warehousing, and aerobridge activities—covering close to 70 percent of the airport's ground-handling operations.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol ventured onto social media platform X to explain why, stating, "We have received requests from every corner of India asking us to ban Celebi NAS Airport Services India Ltd, a Turkish company operating ground handling services at Indian airports."

"Holding in appreciation the seriousness of the matter and the appeal to secure national interests, we have made a note of these demands and Ministry of Civil Aviation has withdrawn security clearance of the mentioned company. Protection of the country's security and interest is of primary concern for us," he stated.

Celebi has been in India since 2008 and has consistently developed its footprint in the aviation business of the country.

There are reports of a deeper political relationship, with a portion of the company reportedly controlled by Sumeyye Erdogan, the daughter of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. She is also married to Selcuk Bayraktar, the designer of Bayraktar drones operated by Turkey in the military and reportedly also in Pakistani operations against India.

These reports are interpreted as suggesting Turkish support to Pakistan extends beyond government policy and may even involve Erdogan's close family members in a direct capacity.

Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Gourav Vallabh responded to the growing rage against Turkey in India, predicting a critical hit to the country's tourism sector.

Vallabh told IANS that while the "Turkey boycott" campaign was gaining momentum, Turkey stood to lose heavily in terms of Indian tourist traffic. He further said that the country had already witnessed a 10 percent decline in Indian tourists due to its perceived betrayal and could suffer further economic losses.

Indian popular opinion has grown increasingly hostile to Turkey after its vociferous support of Pakistan in a recent geopolitical standoff—both officially and militarily, which has made headlines all over the internet and elsewhere.