Celebi Aviation India on Wednesday denied what it described as "false and misleading" allegations regarding its purported Turkish ownership and operations, after Indian authorities revoked its security clearance.
This came as tensions rise following Turkey's diplomatic support for Pakistan during a time of tense India-Pakistan relations.
Following widespread speculation on social media that connected the company to the family of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Celebi Aviation made a public announcement refuting political or family affiliations. The ground handling company categorically stated it was "unequivocally refuting" speculation surrounding the ownership of the company and clarified that it has no affiliation with Sumeyye Erdogan, the daughter of the Turkish President.
"Nobody named Sumeyye has any shareholding in the parent company. The members of the ownership are members of the Celebioglu family — Can Celebioglu and Ms Canan Celebioglu — with no political ties. We are a professionally managed, internationally operated aviation services company," the statement read.
We are not a Turkish organisation by any definition and fully subscribe to internationally accepted practices of corporate governance, transparency, and impartiality, with no political affiliations or connections to any foreign government or person," it added.
The company also outlined its broader ownership structure, noting that 65 percent of its parent entity is held by institutional investors from countries including Canada, the US, UK, Singapore, UAE, and Western Europe. Specifically, Actera Partners II L.P., a fund registered in Jersey, owns 50 percent of Celebi Havaclik Holding A.S., while Alpha Airport Services BV, a Dutch company, holds 15 percent.
This explanation came after Celebi's security clearance to work at Delhi Airport's cargo terminal was withdrawn due to national security concerns. Speaking about the incident, Celebi said, "All our terminals are regularly audited by Indian authorities, including CISF, BCAS, and AAI. We are still in full compliance with Indian aviation, national security, and tax laws."
"Celebi is committed more than ever to India and to making meaningful contributions to the progress of the country as a global aviation hub. We have faith that facts, transparency, and common sense will override misinformation," the company further said.
The government's action against Celebi Aviation was in the backdrop of worsening India-Turkey relations, following Ankara's open defence of Islamabad and criticism of the Indian military's Operation Sindoor that was undertaken after the Pahalgam terror attack. Later, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) cancelled the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd with effect from the date of the order.
Celebi Aviation operates high-security cargo and ground operations at nine major Indian airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. All of its responsibilities include ground handling, cargo logistics, and airside services — each of which has to comply with very strict regulations because airport activities are so sensitive.
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