The Turkish firm that handles the lion's share of services at nine major airports in India, has lost its security clearance following Turkey's support of Pakistan over Operation Sindoor. This evening, an order from 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".
The Delhi airport has also severed ties with Çelebi, which under a separate entity of Celebi Aviation -- Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India -- oversees cargo services at Delhi International Airport.
This is India's first overt move against a Turkish firm, though for the last few years, the government has ramped up its engagement with the traditional opponents and antagonists of Turkey -- Greece, Armenia, Cyprus and Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates in the Arab bloc.
In its response, Celebi Aviation said it is a "global company with a legacy of over 65 years in aviation services, delivering ground handling and cargo operations across three continents and six countries".
In a communique, the company added, "As clearly illustrated, Celebi's business in India is truly an Indian enterprise, led and managed by Indian professionals, deeply invested in the country, and committed to its growth. We are not a Turkish organisation by any standard and adhere fully to globally accepted practices of corporate governance, transparency, and neutrality, with no political affiliations or links to any foreign government or individuals".
Junior Civil Aviation minister Murlidhar Mohol said, "Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd is a Turkey-based company that gives ground services at many airports in the country. Turkey had openly supported Pakistan. In view of the current situation, this has become an issue of national security. Keeping security in mind, Celebi has been banned in the country".
Turkey Pakistan links
Along with Azerbaijan, Turkey shares close links with Pakistan through trade, banking and tourism. The military of all three nations are dependent on each other.
This time, Turkey has not only extended verbal support to Pakistan after India's precision attacks on terror bases on Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, it has been found that a majority of the drones fired at India on the night of May 8 included the Turkey-made Asisguard SONGAR and the Bayraktar TB2, an unmanned combat aerial vehicle.
A Turkish warship had reached Karachi before Operation Sindoor started and shortly after, a Turkish Air Force C-130 had landed in the city.
Boycott Turkey Wave
Turkey is now facing massive backlash over its support that includes cutting down on trade and tourism. Indian tourists cancelling trips to the country as a "Boycott Turkey" - that includes Turkish products - is sweeping the social media.
Over the last few days, several prominent universities in India - including Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University -- have cancelled tie-ups and programmes with Turkey's educational institutions.
Trade associations and tour operators have called for a boycott of Turkey. Many travel websites are cancelling/not accepting Turkey itineraries - a move that is expected to hit the nation that earns 12 per cent of its revenue through tourism.
The Confederation of All India Traders or CAIT is contemplating an end to all trade agreements with Turkey. The CAIT will meet in New Delhi tomorrow to discuss complete trade boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan. The organization is already running a similar campaign against China.
What Celebi Aviation Does
Celebi Aviation has two separate entities - Celebi Airport Services India to manage ground handling operations and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India to oversee cargo services at Delhi International Airport.
The first carries out several high-security tasks critical to the safe and efficient functioning of airport operations.
These 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. The company also handles cargo and postal services, and warehouse management.
