Adani Snaps Ties With Turkish Firm Over National Security Concerns

In what is being seen as a major setback for Turkey following its support to Pakistan during the recent India-Pakistan conflict, Gautam Adani-led Adani Airport Holdings has terminated its agreement with a Turkish company. The partnership had allowed customers access to lounges at airports managed by Adani across India.

This move comes in the wake of growing outrage over Turkey's open support for Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack and India's subsequent response through Operation Sindoor, launched to avenge the killing of 26 tourists.

"Our association with the Turkish company, which provided access to airport lounges, has been terminated with immediate effect," an Adani Airport Holdings spokesperson said on Thursday.

"Customers linked to that service will no longer have access to lounges at Adani-managed airports. This change will have no impact on the travel experience for other customers."

Government Cracks Down on Turkish Ground-Handling Firm

Meanwhile, the Indian government has revoked the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd - a Turkish company that manages around 70% of ground operations at Mumbai Airport. These operations include passenger services, cargo handling, load control, flight operations, and bridge management.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation, in an official notification, stated,"In exercise of the power conferred upon the DG, BCAS, the security clearance for Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of national security."

The revocation follows increasing calls to ban Turkish firms operating in India due to Turkey's alignment with Pakistan during recent hostilities.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol, echoed the public sentiment in a post on X (formerly Twitter): "We have received requests from across India to ban Celebi NAS Airport Services India Ltd, a Turkish company operating ground-handling services at Indian airports."