Why Did Adani Airports End Its Partnership with Celebi for Mumbai and Ahmedabad Airports?
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Synopsis
Adani Airport Holdings has abruptly severed ties with Turkish firm Celebi, halting ground handling services at key Indian airports. This decision raises questions about national security and operational continuity as the firm ensures a smooth transition to new agencies while safeguarding employee terms. What does this mean for future airport operations?
Key Takeaways
- Adani Airport Holdings has terminated its agreement with Celebi.
- The decision was made after the government revoked Celebi's security clearance.
- All Celebi employees will transition to new agencies under existing conditions.
- Airport operations are expected to remain uninterrupted.
- This decision reflects a focus on national security.
Ahmedabad, May 16 (NationPress) Adani Airport Holdings has officially ended its ground handling concession agreement with the Turkish company Celebi at both Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports, effective immediately.
In an announcement, Adani Airports stated that the decision came after the government revoked Celebi's security clearance. They noted, “We have terminated the ground handling concession agreements with Celebi at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA).”
“Consequently, Celebi has been instructed to swiftly hand over all ground handling facilities to us to ensure that operations continue seamlessly,” the company added.
Furthermore, Adani Airports assured that they would maintain uninterrupted service to all airlines through new ground handling agencies.
“All current employees of Celebi at both CSMIA and SVPIA will be transitioned to the new ground handling agencies while retaining their existing employment terms. Ground handling operations at our airports will stay unaffected. We are dedicated to maintaining the highest service standards and serving the national interest,” representatives from Mumbai and Ahmedabad Airports stated.
The determination to end these concession agreements was made following the Union government's action to revoke the security clearance for the Turkish aviation firm.
Previously, Adani Airport Holdings had also terminated its agreement with the Turkish company DragonPass, which provided lounge access to its customers.
This decision is a response to Turkey's backing of Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attacks and the 'Operation Sindoor' initiated by India to respond to the deaths of 26 individuals.
“Our partnership with DragonPass, which allowed access to airport lounges, has been terminated immediately. Customers of DragonPass will no longer have access to lounges at Adani-managed airports. This alteration will not affect the airport lounge or travel experience for other patrons,” the spokesperson for Adani Airport Holdings mentioned.
In a notice released on Thursday, the Ministry of Civil Aviation stated, “In the exercise of power conferred upon DG, BCAS, the security clearance in Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of National Security.”
Point of View
The decision by Adani Airport Holdings reflects a strong commitment to national security and operational efficiency at critical airports. The revocation of Celebi's security clearance highlights the importance of scrutiny in the aviation sector, ensuring that all operational partners align with national interests.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Adani Airports terminate the agreement with Celebi?
The termination was prompted by the government's decision to revoke Celebi's security clearance, necessitating immediate action to maintain operational integrity.
What happens to Celebi employees after the termination?
All existing employees of Celebi at Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports will be transferred to new ground handling agencies under their current employment terms.
Will airport operations be affected?
No, Adani Airports has assured that operations will remain unaffected as they transition to new ground handling agencies.
What other agreements have been terminated by Adani Airport Holdings?
Adani Airport Holdings previously ended its agreement with DragonPass, which provided lounge access to its customers at their airports.
What is the broader context of these terminations?
These moves come amid heightened tensions regarding Turkey's support for Pakistan following recent terror attacks.
