Thu May 15 19:00:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**India Revokes Security Clearance for Turkish Firm Çelebi, Halting Airport Operations**

NEW DELHI – The Indian government has revoked the security clearance of Çelebi Airport Services India, a Turkish-owned ground handling services company, effectively halting its operations at nine major airports across the country, including Delhi and Mumbai. The decision, announced Thursday by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), cites national security concerns and comes amid heightened tensions following recent military conflict with Pakistan.

Sources suggest the move is linked to Turkey’s alleged support of Pakistan during and after “Operation Sindoor,” India’s military response to a terror attack in Kashmir. Reports indicate that Turkey, along with China and Azerbaijan, provided aid to Pakistan in the wake of the operation.

Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu emphasized that national security is paramount, stating that actions are being taken to minimize disruption and ensure continued smooth travel and cargo movement. “We are also deploying special teams to oversee operations and address any emerging issues in real time,” he said.

Çelebi has vehemently denied the allegations. In a statement, the company refuted claims regarding its ownership and operations in India, highlighting that 65% of the company is owned by international institutional investors from Canada, the US, the UK, Singapore, the UAE, and Western Europe.

Delhi and Bengaluru Airports have already severed ties with Çelebi, ensuring a smooth transition of employees and minimal disruption to operations. Other airports affected include Hyderabad, Mopa (Goa), Ahmedabad, Cochin, Chennai and Kannur, which are managed by Airports Authority of India.

Çelebi’s website states the company has handled 58,000 flights, 540,000 tonnes of cargo, employed 7,800 individuals, and invested over $220 million in infrastructure development in India since beginning operations.

In related news, Adani Airport Holdings has also terminated its services with DragonPass, a company providing access to airport lounges, citing operational reasons. DragonPass customers will no longer have access to Adani-managed airport lounges.

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