INTRODUCTION
A day after the Centre denied its security clearance for national security reasons, the Turkish airline Celebi contested the ruling in the Delhi High Court. The Center’s action followed Turkey’s backing of Pakistan during the post-Operation Sindoor war with India. The ground handling and cargo services company, which provides services to nine major Indian airports, had its security clearance revoked by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security on Thursday. The cancellation of the security clearance was justified “in the interest of national security,” according to the order.
This article will study about this particular case and the firm. It will explore the ratio of the decision to revoke security clearance of the firm.
BRIEF HISTORY
According to the firm’s website, it handled about 58,000 flights and 5.4 lakh tonnes of cargo in India annually at nine airports, including Delhi, Bengaluru, and Goa. India granted the company security certification in November 2022.
ABOUT THE FIRM
With more than 65 years of experience in the aviation industry, Celebi Aviation is a multinational corporation that provides ground handling and cargo services in six countries and three continents. Our goal is still the same as they grow in new aviation markets: to make a significant impact on the aviation industry, national economies, and local workers in each of the nations where they do business. According to Çelebi, 65% of the company is owned by institutional investors from Western Europe, the US, the UK, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada. Alpha Airport Services BV, a Dutch-registered company, owns 15% of Çelebi Havacılık Holding AS, while the Çelebioğlu family owns the remaining 35%. Actera Partners II LP, a firm established in Jersey, owns 50% of the company.
THE CASE AND DECISION
According to news agency Reuters, Celebi Airport Services India appealed the Center’s ruling to the Delhi High Court, arguing that “vague” national security concerns were raised without justification. The business claimed that the ruling will affect 3,791 jobs and investor confidence and asked that it be overturned. Additionally, it asserted that there was no prior notice given to the order. In response to the Center’s declaration on Thursday, the company stated that it has no affiliations with any foreign government and is not a Turkish organization. “Celebi’s company in India is genuinely an Indian enterprise, run and run by professionals from India who are devoted to the country’s development and have a strong stake in it. According to a statement released by the company, “We are not a Turkish organization by any means and fully comply with internationally recognized standards of corporate governance, transparency, and neutrality, with no political affiliations or links to any foreign government or individuals.”
POPULAR OPINIONS
Based in Turkey, Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd offers ground services at numerous airports throughout the nation. Pakistan had been publicly supported by Turkey. This has turned into a national security issue given the current circumstances. “Celebi has been banned in the country due to security concerns,” stated Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Civil Aviation.
CONCLUSION
Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, a Turkish ground handling and cargo operator, has appealed the Indian government’s decision to cancel its security clearance at the Delhi High Court. Celebi has claimed that the Indian government’s decision is “arbitrary and devoid of specific reasons,” according to a Reuters report. On May 15, 2025, Celebi’s clearance was revoked by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, acting through the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), citing national security concerns.
Following Turkey’s backing of Pakistan during recent conflicts concerning Operation Sindoor, the action comes amid rising diplomatic tensions.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SAHIL YADAV, a law student at NLIU Bhopal, is a dedicated and passionate legal writer, who is keen to explore International law, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Forensic Psychology and publish research papers and articles on contemporary legal nuances and issues. He is also interested in the intersection of disciplines like history, psychology, political science, philosophy, and sociology with law.