On May 15, 2025, the Indian government revoked the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd., a Turkish ground handling firm, with immediate effect, citing national security concerns. Turkey and Azerbaijan backed Pakistan and condemned India’s strikes on terror camps.
- The clearance had been granted by the Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) in November 2022.
- Celebi Aviation was operating in nine Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa, Cochin, and Kannur, providing passenger handling, cargo services, aerobridge management, and other airport-related services.
Following the directive:
- Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has terminated its association with Celebi entities at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA).
- Alternative ground handling services are being coordinated with AISATS and Bird Group.
- For cargo operations, DIAL is onboarding a pre-approved cargo handler to avoid disruption.
- All Celebi employees at IGIA will be retained by the new employer under existing terms and conditions to ensure smooth transition and operational continuity.
