Why Did India Revoke the Security Clearance of Turkey’s Celebi Airport Services?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Indian government has revoked the security clearance for Turkish ground-handling firm Celebi Airport Services due to rising calls to ban Turkish businesses linked to Pakistan’s support for terrorism. This action reflects a broader sentiment in India concerning national security and foreign relations, particularly with Turkey.
Key Takeaways
- Security clearance revoked for Celebi Airport Services in India.
- Rising calls for a boycott of Turkish businesses due to Turkey's support for Pakistan.
- Celebi manages a significant portion of ground operations at Mumbai airport.
- The decision reflects India's commitment to national security.
- Potential economic repercussions for Turkey in Indian tourism.
New Delhi, May 15 (NationPress) The Indian government has taken significant action by revoking the security clearance for the Turkish ground-handling firm Celebi Airport Services at airports across the nation. This decision comes amidst rising demands to boycott Turkish enterprises due to Turkey's support for Pakistan, a country that is often associated with terrorism.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that 'in the exercise of power conferred upon DG, BCAS, the security clearance for Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of National Security.
Celebi Airport Services manages approximately 70 percent of ground operations at Mumbai airport, which includes passenger services, load control, flight operations, cargo and postal services, warehouses, and bridge operations.
The Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol, shared on X that the ministry has received numerous requests from various parts of India advocating for a ban on Celebi NAS Airport Services India Ltd, a Turkish company involved in ground handling at Indian airports.
“Acknowledging the gravity of the situation and the imperative to safeguard national interests, we have acted on these requests. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has revoked the security clearance of this company. Ensuring the safety and interests of our nation is our utmost priority,” the minister stated.
Since its establishment in 2008, Celebi has significantly expanded its influence within India's aviation sector.
Reports indicate that the firm has partial ownership by Sumeyye Erdogan, the daughter of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.
Sumeyye is married to Selcuk Bayraktar, the creator of Bayraktar military drones, which Pakistan has utilized against India. This involvement suggests that support for Pakistan goes beyond official Turkish state policy, as Erdogan’s family is directly implicated, according to various reports.
Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Gourav Vallabh remarked that with the intensifying calls for a ‘Turkey boycott’ in India, the Middle Eastern nation is likely to face significant repercussions and will lose a substantial portion of its tourism revenue from India.
Vallabh informed IANS that tourism is a crucial component of Turkey's economy, and they have already seen a 10 percent decrease in tourists following their betrayal of India, with further declines expected shortly.
Importantly, there has been escalating anger and frustration within India regarding Turkey's overt support for Pakistan during recent conflicts, observed not only online but also in military contexts.
Point of View
It is crucial to emphasize that national interests must always come first. The decision to revoke Celebi Airport Services' security clearance underlines the government's commitment to safeguarding India’s sovereignty and security. The growing sentiment against foreign enterprises that seem to threaten national security reflects a unified stance among citizens and leaders alike.
NationPress
24/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did India revoke the security clearance for Celebi Airport Services?
India revoked the security clearance due to growing concerns about Turkey's support for Pakistan, a nation associated with terrorism, prompting calls for a boycott of Turkish businesses.
What services does Celebi Airport Services provide?
Celebi Airport Services manages about 70 percent of ground operations at Mumbai airport, including passenger services, flight operations, and cargo handling.
What impact will this decision have on Turkey's economy?
The revocation may lead to a significant decline in Turkish tourism revenue from India, which is vital for Turkey's economy, potentially resulting in a loss of tourist numbers.
What has been the public reaction to Turkey's support for Pakistan?
There has been widespread anger and frustration among the Indian populace regarding Turkey's support for Pakistan, particularly in light of recent conflicts.
How long has Celebi been operating in India?
Celebi Airport Services has been operating in India since 2008.
