New Delhi: The PM Narendra Modi-led government on Thursday cancelled the security clearance of Turkish firm, Celebi Aviation. This company is responsible for handling critical operations at several Indian airports. The move comes after Turkey supported Pakistan in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. India had launched strikes against Pakistan, code named ‘Operation Sindoor’, post the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 people dead.
Backlash against Turkey
The Turkish firm was responsible for ground handling at 9 major airports across India. The country has already been facing backlash from several quarters, including from tourists from India, who decided to cancel their trips to Turkey, after they showed support to Pakistan, post Operation Sindoor.
The government sighted national security as the reason for cancellation of contract with the foreign-based firm. In an order dated May 15, the Civil Aviation Ministry said, “The security clearance for Celebi Ground Handling India Private Limited is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of national security.”
Celebi Aviation has 2 distinct entities – Celebi Airport Services India and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India. While the first is responsible for managing ground handling operations at several airports across India, the second one manages cargo services at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.
The Celebi Airport Services carries out several tasks, which are critical to safe and efficient functioning of airport operations in India. Some of the tasks they handle include ramp services, which involve directing aircraft on the ground; load control and flight operations to ensure proper aircraft balance; and bridge operations, which manage the passenger boarding bridges connected to aircraft. Apart from this, cargo, postal services and warehouse management is also overseen by Celebi Aviation.
